HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2302

As Passed Legislature

Title:  An act relating to application methods for unemployment insurance temporary total disability determinations.

Brief Description:  Modifying certain application methods for unemployment insurance.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Conway, Wood, Kenney and Edwards; by request of Employment Security Department.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Commerce & Labor:  1/17/02, 1/21/02 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 1/28/02, 96-0.

Passed Senate:  3/5/02, 46-0.

Passed Legislature.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Allows individuals applying for unemployment insurance benefits through the Temporary Total Disability Program to file initial applications in a form other than in writing.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Conway, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Clements, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Kenney, Lysen and McMorris.

Staff:  Jill Reinmuth (786‑7134).

Background:

In 1998 the requirement that initial applications for most unemployment insurance benefits be in writing was eliminated.  Initial applications for most benefits may be filed "in a form other than in writing" as determined by the Commissioner of the Employment Security Department.  Individuals applying for most benefits may file initial applications by telephone through the department's call centers or via the Internet.

However, the requirement that initial applications for benefits through the Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Program be in writing was not changed.  Individuals applying for benefits through the TTD Program must file initial applications in writing.

(The TTD Program pays unemployment insurance benefits to certain eligible individuals who have recovered from an injury or illness, and who are able, available, and actively seeking work.)

Summary of Bill:

Individuals applying for unemployment insurance benefits through the Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Program may file initial applications in a form other than in writing.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill makes a small technical change, and will eliminate the need to duplicate certain applications.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Tammy Fellin, Employment Security Department.