Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 192-120-010 Claimant information booklet and 192-270-035 Time frames (training benefits).

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 50.12.010, 50.12.040, and 52.22.155(3).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: WAC 192-120-010 requires the department to mail a copy of a claimant handbook to each person who files an application for unemployment benefits. WAC 192-270-035 requires the department to notify claimants about the availability of the training program via the claimant handbook. In order to address budget shortfalls, the department is proposing to provide the information in the booklet through other means, such as online and through local offices, and mail the paper handbook to applicants only under specified guidelines.

     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 (UI) program to ensure conformity with federal statutes and regulations. The state has broad flexibility in the implementation of UI laws as long as conformity is maintained. The proposed rule will be shared with USDOL prior to adoption.

     Process for Developing New Rule: The proposed rules will be shared with stakeholders identified in the rule-making process. We will solicit input from stakeholders and consider all comments in the development of the final rules.

     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 Rules Manager, Employment Security Department, P.O. Box 9046, Olympia, WA 98507-9046, fax (360) 902-9799, e-mail jmyers@esd.wa.gov. Please include your name, organization (if any), mailing address, e-mail address and telephone number.

March 28, 2013

Dale Peinecke

Commissioner