An unemployed individual is eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits (UI benefits) if the individual:  (1) worked at least 680 hours in the base year; (2) was separated from employment through no fault of the claimant's or quit work for good cause; and (3) is able to work, available to work, and is actively searching for suitable work.  The Employment Security Department (ESD) administers Washington State's unemployment insurance program.

To ensure that following the initial application for benefits, a claimant is actively engaged in searching for work, ESD has a job search monitoring program.  An individual who has received five or more weeks of benefits must provide evidence of seeking work for each week beyond five in which a claim is filed.  The evidence must demonstrate contacts with at least three employers per week or documented in-person job search activities at the local reemployment center at least three times per week. 

An individual who fails to comply fully with the requirements for actively seeking work loses all benefits for all weeks during which the individual was not in compliance, and the individual is liable for repayment of all the benefits. 

Governor's Proclamation 20-30 and proclamation extensions suspended job search requirements in March 2020.  Since then, claimants have not been required to report job search activities and ESD has not monitored job search activities.  

Until December 31, 2023, ESD may direct the required evidence of job search activities.  Beginning on January 1, 2024, the job search evidence must continue to demonstrate contacts with a least three employers per week or documented job search activities with the local reemployment centers at least three times per week.  In-person job search activities are not required.  

By December 1, 2022, ESD must submit a report to the Legislature that details the impacts of any flexibilities utilized in claimant job search methods, monitoring, and outcomes.

PRO:  Under normal circumstances, UI claimants are required to conduct three job search activities per week.  ESD routinely monitors the job search activities.  However, due to COVID, the federal government allows states flexibility regarding the job search requirements.  The Governor's proclamation 20-30 suspended the job search requirements in March 2020 and the Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 8402 extended the order until termination of the state of emergency or rescinded by gubernatorial or legislative action, whichever is first.
 
This bill gives ESD flexibility to reinstate job search requirements when the state of emergency ends and worksource offices can handle the influx of customers, many of who will need education of the requirements, or when required by the federal government.  This allows ESD flexibility when issues happen in different parts of the state or to allow other activities.  This is supported by the Unemployment Insurance Advisory Committee.
 
This is a commonsense approach that will allow job search requirements to meet workers' needs in their local areas.  It also the ability to change the job search activities to ones that meet the needs of job seekers that meets their needs.
 
OTHER:  Modest flexibility is appropriate during this time.  The bill could provide a little bit of direction.  There is confusion currently with job search requirements.  There should not be relief of requirements.  ESD agreed to an amendment in the House that adds the phrase "to meet the intent of rigorous reemployment efforts."  We ask that you consider the amendment.