SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1107
As of March 6, 2023
Title: An act relating to removing the terms "master" and "servant" from Titles 50 and 50A RCW.
Brief Description: Concerning removing the terms "master" and "servant" from Titles 50 and 50A.
Sponsors: Representatives Fosse, Reed, Berry, Ramel, Doglio, Simmons, Reeves, Kloba, Riccelli and Ormsby; by request of Employment Security Department.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/1/23, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Labor & Commerce: 3/09/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Modifies the definition of "employment" as it applies to unemployment insurance and the state paid family and medical leave program by replacing a reference to the "relationship of master and servant" with "any employment relationship."
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE
Staff: Susan Jones (786-7404)
Background:

The terms "master" and "servant" are used in the statutes governing the unemployment insurance system and the state paid family and medical leave program. The term "employment" is defined, in part, as personal service, of whatever nature, unlimited by the relationship of master and servant as known to the common law or any other legal relationship, including service in interstate commerce, performed for wages, or under contract calling for the performance of personal service, written or oral, express or implied.
Summary of Bill:

The definition of "employment" in the context of unemployment insurance and the state paid family and medical leave program is modified by replacing "relationship of master and servant" with "any employment relationship."  Specifically, "employment" means personal service, of whatever nature, unlimited by any employment relationship as known to the common law or any other legal relationship, including service in interstate commerce, performed for wages, or under any contract calling for the performance of personal services, written or oral, express or implied. 

 
The Legislature only intends to amend the Revised Code of Washington to use inclusive language. The Legislature does not intend to either increase or reduce the scope of the definitions of "employment" contained in unemployment compensation or family and medical leave titles of the code.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.