SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5808

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of February 16, 2019

Title: An act relating to the creation of the opportunities for employment in hospitality grant.

Brief Description: Establishing the opportunities for employment in hospitality grant.

Sponsors: Senators King and Hobbs.

Committee Activity: Labor & Commerce: 2/15/19.

Brief Summary of Bill

Creates the Opportunities for Employment in Hospitality grant program to increase the number of people from targeted populations employed in the hospitality industry.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE

Staff: Jarrett Sacks (786-7448)

Background: The Employment Security Department (ESD) administers the unemployment insurance program for the state, provides job training and assistance for jobseekers and employers, and generally administers programs, grants, and other resources related to state employment services.

In 2017, ESD, WorkSource, the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), the Washington Hospitality Association, and other entities in the workforce system, hosted a hiring event for hospitality positions in King County. In addition to the hiring event, the coalition of entities provided additional resources to workers, such as assistance with transportation, food, childcare, work uniforms, and other needs.

Summary of Bill: The Opportunities for Employment in Hospitality grant program is created to increase the number of people from targeted populations employed in the hospitality industry. Targeted populations are persons who are:

experiencing homelessness;
reentering the workforce after an extended absence;
veterans or spouses of veterans; or
seeking employment in hospitality.

An entity or person awarded the grant must:

coordinate with DSHS to connect participants with wraparound services;
host a minimum of four hiring events (at least three in western Washington and one in eastern Washington);
offer the targeted population postemployment services and training;
create an annual report to the Legislature with data showing the number of individuals being served and the number who obtained employment; and
participate in other activities to support the purpose of the grant.

The ESD must administer the grant, including performing any audits necessary to ensure grant funds are used solely to support the objective of the grant. A portion of the grant must be used to cover the costs incurred by the ESD and the DSHS for implementation.

Appropriation: The bill contains a null and void clause requiring specific funding be provided in an omnibus appropriation act.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 5, 2019.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill will help establish opportunities for employment in the hospitality industry, especially for the homeless, veterans, and other target populations. The hospitality industry currently has more jobs available than job seekers. A federal grant allowed a public-private partnership that worked, but the federal grant ran out last year. This bill would continue that work.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Curtis King, Prime Sponsor; David Faro, Washington Hospitality Association's Education Foundation; Patrick Lewis, Farrelli's Pizza.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.