BILL REQ. #:  S-1104.1 

Read first time 02/03/2003.   Referred to Committee on Commerce & Trade.

     AN ACT Relating to unemployment insurance claimants who are available for and actively seeking work of at least fifteen hours per week; adding a new section to chapter 50.20 RCW; creating new sections; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 50.20 RCW to read as follows:
     An otherwise eligible individual may not be denied benefits for any week because the individual is available for, seeks, applies for, or accepts only work of at least fifteen hours per week 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.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   If any part of this act is found to be in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state or the eligibility of employers in this state for federal unemployment tax credits, the conflicting part of this act is inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict, and the finding or determination does not affect the operation of the remainder of this act. Rules adopted under this act must meet federal requirements that are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state or the granting of federal unemployment tax credits to employers in this state.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   This act applies to claims that have an effective date after May 1, 2003.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.