The proposed bill establishes a wage replacement program for Washington workers who are not eligible for unemployment insurance, introducing a new chapter to Title 50 RCW. It defines key terms and sets eligibility criteria, requiring applicants to be Washington residents, have worked at least 680 hours in their base year, and be unemployed through no fault of their own. The program will be managed by a third-party administrator selected by the employment security department, which will also oversee the newly created Washington wage replacement account. The bill mandates the formation of an advisory committee, ensures confidentiality of applicants' information, and prohibits the solicitation of personal data regarding nationality or immigration status. Payments to eligible applicants will be based on previous earnings, with limits on total amounts received, and it outlines processes for reporting payment errors.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws concerning employer contributions and the disclosure of employment security information. It specifies that funds in designated accounts must be used solely for outlined purposes, sets employer contribution rates, and clarifies that contributions cannot be deducted from employee remuneration. The bill also introduces provisions for poverty reduction programs for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium and addresses potential conflicts with federal requirements, ensuring that any conflicting parts of the act will be inoperative while maintaining the effectiveness of the remainder. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the administration of unemployment benefits and clarify the rights and obligations of the department and employers.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 50.29.041, 50.24.014
Substitute Bill: 50.29.041, 50.24.014