SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2457

BYHouse Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Wolfe, Jones, R. King, Silver, Padden, Walker, Leonard, Tate, Cole, D. Sommers, Moyer and Winsley)

Regulating employment listing or employment information services.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 19, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; McMullen, Murray, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:Forrest Bathurst (786-7429)

                  February 20, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, FEBRUARY 19, 1990

BACKGROUND:

A growing number of consumer complaints are being received regarding advanced fee businesses that market employment information and related nonplacement services.  These businesses are not currently required to hold a valid employment agency license.  Therefore, the Department of Licensing and the Attorney General cannot hold them to the same professional standards as those businesses holding a valid employment agency license.

SUMMARY:

The definition of employment agency is changed to include any business that charges a fee to provide:  employment listing services; employment information services; resumes; lists of names or preaddressed envelopes that may be sent to prospective employers.

An employment agency not possessing a valid license shall cease operations immediately, or immediately apply for and obtain a valid license.

If the agency continues to operate without a valid license, the Director of the Department of Licensing or the Attorney General can take legal action for treble the amount of fees paid by any person plus reasonable attorney's fees.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Cynthia Jones, Department of Licensing