The bill amends RCW 50.20.190 to relieve individuals from paying interest on certain unemployment insurance overpayment assessments. Specifically, it states that the department shall not charge interest on overpayment assessments for benefits paid between February 2, 2020, and September 4, 2021, until January 1, 2025, unless the overpayment is due to a determination that the individual was disqualified from receiving those benefits. Additionally, if an individual has previously paid interest on these overpayment assessments, the department has the discretion to either apply those payments toward any outstanding balance or refund them to the individual.

Furthermore, the bill updates the language to use gender-neutral terms, replacing "he or she" with "they" in the context of individuals liable for repayment of overpaid benefits. The act is retroactive to February 2, 2020, ensuring that the provisions apply to relevant cases from that date forward. This legislative change aims to provide financial relief to individuals who may have been impacted by overpayment assessments during the specified period.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 50.20.190