5770.E AMH CL AMH-21

ESB 5770 - H COMM AMD

By Committee on Commerce & Labor

                                        ADOPTED AS AMENDED 4/12/95

    On page 2, after line 37, insert the following:

    "Sec. 2.  RCW 50.20.043 and 1985 c 40 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) No otherwise eligible individual shall be denied benefits for any week because the individual is in training with the approval of the commissioner, nor shall such individual be denied benefits with respect to any week in which the individual is satisfactorily progressing in a training program with the approval of the commissioner by reason of the application of RCW 50.20.010(3), 50.20.015, 50.20.080, or 50.22.020(1) relating to availability for work and active search for work, or failure to apply for or refusal to accept suitable work.

(2) An individual shall be considered to be in training with the approval of the commissioner if the individual is one who:

(a)(i) The commissioner determines to be a dislocated worker as defined by RCW 50.04.075; or

(ii) Fits the department's profile of unemployed workers who are likely to exhaust their benefits; and ((who))

(b) Is satisfactorily progressing in a training program approved by the commissioner ((shall be considered to be in training with the approval of the commissioner)).

(3) At the time of filing for an initial determination, individuals determined to be dislocated workers as defined in RCW 50.04.075 or who fit the department's profile of unemployed workers who are likely to exhaust their benefits shall be provided with information concerning the opportunity, if the individual is otherwise eligible, to receive benefits while satisfactorily progressing in training approved by the commissioner."

    Renumber the sections consecutively and correct the title.

EFFECT:  Adds a provision that, in addition to dislocated workers, persons satisfactorily progressing in training who are long-term unemployed or who fit the profile of claimants likely to exhaust their unemployment benefits are considered to be in training with the approval of the commissioner of the Employment Security Department for purposes of the requirements for benefit eligibility.  These persons must be given information, at the time of filing their claims, concerning the right to receive benefits while satisfactorily progressing in approved training.

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