SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5636

BYSenators Smitherman and Lee; by request of Employment Security Department

Revising the state/federal relationship regarding unemployment compensation benefits, recovery, and confidentiality.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 12, 1989; February 8, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; McMullen, Murray, Saling, Smitherman, Williams.

Senate Staff:Steve Boruchowitz (786-7429)

                  March 9, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 9, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Changes in federal regulations concerning alien workers require minor wording changes to corresponding state statutes. 

Currently, the Department of Employment Security may collect overpayments on behalf of other states only if such overpayments were due to fraud.  An ability to pursue other kinds of overpayments could reduce the amount of outstanding debt owed to the trust fund.

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics provides survey and other information to the department.  The bureau has indicated that current law does not provide sufficient protection of data confidentiality, and has stopped supplying information to the department.

SUMMARY:

Wording is clarified to conform to federal language concerning an alien worker's being "lawfully present" to work.

The Commissioner of Employment Security may enter into cooperative agreements with other states for collection of any valid unemployment compensation overpayments.

Information provided to the Department of Employment Security on the basis of confidentiality will have that confidentiality maintained.  Any requests for such information must go to the agency originally providing it.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Graeme Sakrison, Department of Employment Security (pro)