PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 192-270 WAC, Training benefits for dislocated workers.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 50.20.010, 50.20.040, 50.20.155.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The rule making will implement chapter 4, Laws of 2011 (EHB 1091), Part III. Amending WAC 192-270-010 to include dislocated workers who voluntarily quit with good cause; WAC 192-270-035 to modify application/enrollment deadlines and good cause for dislocated workers; WAC 192-270-040 to eliminate requirement that dislocated workers attend school full-time; WAC 192-270-045 to clarify application requirements; WAC 192-270-047 to clarify that incomplete applications may be returned for completion; WAC 192-270-050 to modify criteria for approving training plans including financial plans for completing training and limited conditions under which academic training can be approved; WAC 192-270-055 to modify policies and procedures regarding waiting lists for funding; WAC 192-270-065 to modify definition of satisfactory progress for dislocated workers enrolled less than full-time; WAC 192-270-070 to modify provisions as they relate to dislocated workers; technical amendments to other sections. Possible additional amendments identified through the rule-making process. Adopting new rule related to earnings deductions for dislocated workers, and such other new rules as are identified through the rule-making process. The chapter title will be changed because the training benefits program now includes other than dislocated workers.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) reviews the state's administration of the unemployment insurance program to ensure conformity to federal statutes and regulations. The state has broad flexibility in the implementation of unemployment insurance laws as long as conformity is maintained. The proposed regulations will be shared with USDOL prior to adoption.
Process for Developing New Rule: The agency will consult with stakeholders in the development of these regulations. Individuals interested in participating in this rule-making process should contact the department at the address listed below.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Juanita Myers, Unemployment Insurance Division, Employment Security Department, P.O. Box 9046, Olympia, WA 98507-9046, phone (360) 902-9665, e-mail jmyers@esd.wa.gov, fax (360) 902-9799.
August 23, 2011
Paul Trause
Commissioner