WSR 98-08-072
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT
[Filed March 31, 1998, 1:17 p.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amend WAC 192-16-051 to change the definition of "reasonable assurance" consistent with the amended statute. Amend WAC 192-16-052 to define when summer quarter is part of the academic year for instructional, research, or principal administrative staff at educational institutions. Amend WAC 192-16-057 to clarify language consistent with revised statute
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 50.12.010 Commissioner's duties and powers, 50.12.040 Rule-making authority, and 50.20.010 Benefit eligibility conditions
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: RCW 50.44.050 is amended by the 1998 legislature to eliminate references to part-time faculty at community and technical colleges, thereby including summer quarter in the definition of "academic year" for all faculty, provided certain objective criteria are met. RCW 50.44.053 is amended to delete language regarding "contingent" reasonable assurance of continued employment for part-time faculty at community and technical colleges
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 Region X staff prior to adoption
Process for Developing New Rule: The department intends to hold meetings with stakeholders, interested parties and significantly affected persons to seek their input in the formulation of regulations
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Persons interested in attending public meetings to discuss the proposed regulations should contact Juanita Myers, Program Coordinator, Unemployment Insurance Division Policy Unit, P.O. Box 9046, Olympia, WA 98504-9046, phone (360) 902-9665, FAX (360) 902-9799
March 27, 1998
Carver Gayton
Commissioner