RCW 50.20.093 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 093
RCW 50.20.093: Report on impact of strikes on unemployment insurance trust fund.
Status: in_force

(1) By December 31, 2026, and continuing annually each year through 2035, the department must submit a report to the legislature on the prevalence of strikes occurring within Washington and the impact of strikes on the unemployment insurance trust fund. The report must include, at a minimum: (a) The total number of strikes occurring that year within Washington, the industry sectors in which strikes occurred, the number of employees that participated in each strike, the number of unemployment claims paid to workers participating in the strike, the total amount of unemployment benefits paid, the number of employers who experienced a rate class increase in the year following a labor strike, including the rate class for each employer without identifying information for the year prior to the strike and for the year following the strike, any increase in the social cost factor rate from the year prior to the strike and the year following the strike, and the benefits paid which are charged to employers who make payments in lieu of contributions; (b) The sum totals of all previous years' information required under (a) of this subsection since January 1, 2026; and (c) The sum totals of the information required in (a) of this subsection for each year in the 10 years prior to January 1, 2026, as well as the sum of those 10 years. (2) This section expires January 1, 2036.
RCW 50.04.075 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 075
RCW 50.04.075: Dislocated worker.
Status: in_force

(1) With respect to claims with an effective date prior to July 1, 2012, "dislocated worker" means any individual who: (a) Has been terminated or received a notice of termination from employment; (b) Is eligible for or has exhausted entitlement to unemployment compensation benefits; and (c) Is unlikely to return to employment in the individual's principal occupation or previous industry because of a diminishing demand for their skills in that occupation or industry. (2) With respect to claims with an effective date on or after July 1, 2012, "dislocated worker" means any individual who: (a) Has been involuntarily and indefinitely separated from employment as a result of a permanent reduction of operations at the individual's place of employment, has separated from a declining occupation, has separated from employment as a result of chapter 179, Laws of 2018, or has separated from employment as a result of the denial of commercial finfish net pen aquaculture lease renewal applications or the issuance of order number 202211 by the commissioner of public lands on November 17, 2022; and (b) Is eligible for or has exhausted entitlement to unemployment compensation benefits.
RCW 50.12.235 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 235
RCW 50.12.235: Washington conservation corps—Department's duties.
Status: in_force

See chapter 43.220 RCW.
RCW 50.65.050 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 050
RCW 50.65.050: Washington service corps—List of local youth employment opportunities.
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall use existing local offices of the employment security department or contract with independent, private nonprofit agencies in a local community to establish the Washington service corps program and to insure coverage of the program statewide. Each local office shall maintain a list of available youth employment opportunities in the jurisdiction covered by the local office and the appropriate forms or work agreements to enable the youths to apply for employment in private or public supervising agencies.
RCW 50A.10.010 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 10 / Section 010
RCW 50A.10.010: Elective coverage—Self-employed.
Status: in_force

(1) For benefits payable beginning January 1, 2020, any self-employed person, including a sole proprietor, independent contractor, partner, or joint venturer, may elect coverage under this title for an initial period of not less than three years and subsequent periods of not less than one year immediately following a period of coverage. Those electing coverage under this section must elect coverage for both family leave and medical leave and are responsible for payment of one hundred percent of all premiums assessed to an employee under RCW 50A.10.030 . The self-employed person must file a notice of election in writing with the department, in a manner as required by the department in rule. The self-employed person is eligible for family and medical leave benefits after working eight hundred twenty hours in the state during the qualifying period following the date of filing the notice. (2) A self-employed person who has elected coverage may withdraw from coverage within thirty days after the end of each period of coverage, or at such other times as the commissioner may adopt by rule, by filing a notice of withdrawal in writing with the commissioner, such withdrawal to take effect not sooner than thirty days after filing the notice with the commissioner. (3) The department may cancel elective coverage if the self-employed person fails to make required payments or file reports. The department may collect due and unpaid premiums and may levy an additional premium for the remainder of the period of coverage. The cancellation shall be effective no later than thirty days from the date of the notice in writing advising the self-employed person of the cancellation. (4) Those electing coverage are considered employers or employees where the context so dictates. (5) For the purposes of this section, "independent contractor" means an individual excluded from employment under RCW 50A.05.010 (8)(b) (iii) and (iv). (6) In developing and implementing the requirements of this section, the department shall adopt government efficiencies to improve administration and reduce costs. These efficiencies may include, but are not limited to, requiring that payments be made in a manner and at intervals unique to the elective coverage program. (7) The department shall adopt rules for determining the hours worked and the wages of individuals who elect coverage under this section and rules for enforcement of this section.
RCW 50A.25.020 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 25 / Section 020
RCW 50A.25.020: Information concerning an individual or employer obtained pursuant to the administration of chapter 50A.25 RCW is private and confidential.
Status: in_force

(1) Any information or records concerning an individual or employer obtained by the department pursuant to the administration of this title shall be private and confidential, except as otherwise provided in this chapter or RCW 50A.05.040 . (2) This chapter does not create a rule of evidence. (3) The department must publish, on its website, a current list of all employers that have approved voluntary plans under chapter 50A.30 RCW.
RCW 50A.30.075 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 30 / Section 075
RCW 50A.30.075: Appeals.
Status: in_force

An employer may appeal any adverse decision by the department related to voluntary plans. An employee may appeal any adverse decision by an employer or the employer's agent related to voluntary plans. Appeals are subject to RCW 50A.50.010 .
RCW 50A.15.040 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 15 / Section 040
RCW 50A.15.040: Application for benefits.
Status: in_force

(1) Family and medical leave insurance benefits are payable to an employee during a period in which the employee is unable to perform his or her regular or customary work because he or she is on family and medical leave if the employee: (a) Files an application for benefits as required by rules adopted by the commissioner; (b) Has met the eligibility requirements of RCW 50A.15.010 or the elective coverage requirements under RCW 50A.10.010 ; (c) Consents to the disclosure of information or records deemed private and confidential under state law. Initial disclosure of this information and these records by another state agency to the department is solely for purposes related to the administration of this title. Further disclosure of this information or these records is subject to chapter 50A.25 RCW and RCW 50A.05.020 (3) and 50A.20.030 ; (d) Provides his or her social security number; (e) Provides a document authorizing the family member's or employee's health care provider, as applicable, to disclose the family member's or employee's health care information in the form of the certification of a serious health condition; (f) Provides the employer from whom family and medical leave is to be taken with written notice of the employee's intention to take family leave in the same manner as an employee is required to provide notice in RCW 50A.15.030 and, in the employee's initial application for benefits, attests that written notice has been provided, unless notice has been waived by the employer under RCW 50A.15.030 (3); and (g) Provides documentation of a military exigency, if requested by the employer. (2) An employee who is not in employment for an employer at the time of filing an application for benefits is exempt from subsection (1)(f) and (g) of this section. (3) Beginning July 1, 2022, and until the 12 months after the end of the state of emergency declared by the governor due to COVID-19, the department must ask the employee applicant whether their family or medical leave is related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial disclosure of this information is solely for purposes related to the administration of this title, including monitoring potential impacts on the solvency and stability of the family and medical leave insurance account created in RCW 50A.05.070 . Further disclosure of this information or these records is subject to chapter 50A.25 RCW and RCW 50A.05.020 (3) and 50A.20.030 .
RCW 50.24.100 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 24 / Section 100
RCW 50.24.100: Distraint procedure.
Status: in_force

The commissioner, upon making a distraint, shall seize the property and shall make an inventory of the property distrained, a copy of which shall be mailed to the owner of such property or personally delivered to him or her, and shall specify the time and place when said property shall be sold. A notice specifying the property to be sold and the time and place of sale shall be posted in at least two public places in the county wherein the seizure has been made. The time of sale shall be not less than ten nor more than twenty days from the date of posting of such notices. Said sale may be adjourned from time to time at the discretion of the commissioner, but not for a time to exceed in all sixty days. Said sale shall be conducted by the commissioner or his or her authorized representative who shall proceed to sell such property by parcel or by lot at a public auction, and who may set a minimum price to include the expenses of making a levy and of advertising the sale, and if the amount bid for such property at the sale is not equal to the minimum price so fixed, the commissioner or his or her representative may declare such property to be purchased by the employment security department for such minimum price. In such event the delinquent account shall be credited with the amount for which the property has been sold. Property acquired by the employment security department as herein prescribed may be sold by the commissioner or his or her representative at public or private sale, and the amount realized shall be placed in the unemployment compensation trust fund. In all cases of sale, as aforesaid, the commissioner shall issue a bill of sale or a deed to the purchaser and said bill of sale or deed shall be prima facie evidence of the right of the commissioner to make such sale and conclusive evidence of the regularity of his or her proceeding in making the sale, and shall transfer to the purchaser all right, title, and interest of the delinquent employer in said property. The proceeds of any such sale, except in those cases wherein the property has been acquired by the employment security department, shall be first applied by the commissioner in satisfaction of the delinquent account, and out of any sum received in excess of the amount of delinquent contributions, interest, and penalties the administration fund shall be reimbursed for the costs of distraint and sale. Any excess which shall thereafter remain in the hands of the commissioner shall be refunded to the delinquent employer. Sums so refundable to a delinquent employer may be subject to seizure or distraint in the hands of the commissioner by any other taxing authority of the state or its political subdivisions.
RCW 50.12.230 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 230
RCW 50.12.230: Job skills training program—Department's duties.
Status: in_force

See RCW 28C.04.400 through 28C.04.420 .
RCW 50.60.130 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 60 / Section 130
RCW 50.60.130: Approved training—Affected employees.
Status: in_force

Affected employees may participate, as appropriate, in training, including employer-sponsored training or training funded under the workforce innovation and opportunity act, to enhance job skills if such program has been approved by the employment security department.
RCW 50.12.160 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 160
RCW 50.12.160: Publication of title, rules and regulations, etc.
Status: in_force

The commissioner may cause to be printed for distribution to the public the text of this title, the regulations and general rules, and other material which he or she deems relevant and suitable.
RCW 50.44.037 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 44 / Section 037
RCW 50.44.037: "Institution of higher education" defined.
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the term "institution of higher education" means an educational institution in this state which: (1) Admits as regular students only individuals having a certificate of graduation from a high school, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate; (2) Is legally authorized within this state to provide a program of education beyond high school; (3) Provides an educational program for which it awards a bachelor's or higher degree, or provides a program which is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree, or offers a program of training to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation; and (4) Is a public or other nonprofit institution. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing subsections, all colleges and universities in this state are "institutions of higher education".
RCW 50.40.073 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 40 / Section 073
RCW 50.40.073: Accessible communities account—Use of funds—Rules.
Status: in_force

(1) To the extent allowed by funds available from the accessible communities account created in RCW 50.40.071 , the governor's committee on disability issues and employment shall: (a) Determine eligibility of accessible community advisory committees for reimbursement or for grant funding according to RCW 36.01.310 ; and (b) Solicit proposals from active accessible community advisory committees for projects to improve disability awareness and access for persons with disabilities, and shall select projects for funding from moneys available in the accessible communities account. (2) The commissioner shall adopt rules to administer this section. (3) To the extent allowed by funds available from the accessible communities account created in RCW 50.40.071 , the governor's committee on disability issues and employment shall establish an accessible communities website to provide the following information: Guidance, technical assistance, reference materials, and resource identification for local governments, accessible community advisory committees, and public accommodations; examples of best practices for local initiatives and activities to promote greater awareness of disability issues and access for persons with disabilities within the community; and a searchable listing of local public accommodations that have taken steps to be more disability friendly, including information on the specific access features provided.
RCW 50.65.065 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 065
RCW 50.65.065: Work agreements—Requirements.
Status: in_force

For each enrollee, the work agreements, or combination of work agreements, developed under RCW 50.65.060 shall: (1) Include a variety of experiences consisting of: Indoor activities; outdoor activities; and volunteer activities; (2) Provide time for participation in a core training program common to all participants.
RCW 50.20.100 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 100
RCW 50.20.100: Suitable work factors.
Status: in_force

(1) Suitable work for an individual is employment in an occupation in keeping with the individual's prior work experience, education, or training and if the individual has no prior work experience, special education, or training for employment available in the general area, then employment which the individual would have the physical and mental ability to perform. In determining whether work is suitable for an individual, the commissioner shall also consider the degree of risk involved to the individual's health, safety, and morals, the degree of risk to the health of those residing with the individual during a public health emergency, the individual's physical fitness, the individual's length of unemployment and prospects for securing local work in the individual's customary occupation, the distance of the available work from the individual's residence, and such other factors as the commissioner may deem pertinent, including state and national emergencies. (2) For individuals with base year work experience in agricultural labor, any agricultural labor available from any employer shall be deemed suitable unless it meets conditions in RCW 50.20.110 or the commissioner finds elements of specific work opportunity unsuitable for a particular individual. (3) For part-time workers as defined in RCW 50.20.119 , suitable work includes suitable work under subsection (1) of this section that is for seventeen or fewer hours per week. (4) For individuals who have qualified for unemployment compensation benefits under *RCW 50.20.050 (1)(b)(iv) or (2)(b)(iv), as applicable, an evaluation of the suitability of the work must consider the individual's need to address the physical, psychological, legal, and other effects of domestic violence or stalking.
RCW 50.12.200 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 200
RCW 50.12.200: State advisory council—Committees and councils.
Status: in_force

(1) The commissioner shall appoint a state advisory council composed of not more than nine persons, of which three shall be representatives of employers, three shall be representatives of employees, and three shall be representatives of the general public. Such council shall aid the commissioner in formulating policies and discussing problems related to the administration of this title and of assuring impartiality and freedom from political influence in the solution of such problems. The council shall serve without compensation. The commissioner may also appoint committees, and industrial or other special councils, to perform appropriate services. Advisory councilmembers shall be reimbursed for travel expenses incurred in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 as now existing or hereafter amended. (2) Beginning in 2021 and ending in 2030, the commissioner shall annually report to the state advisory council the amount of benefits that were not charged to employers as a direct consequence of RCW 50.29.021 (3)(a)(vii).
RCW 50A.15.100 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 15 / Section 100
RCW 50A.15.100: Unemployment compensation, industrial insurance, and disability insurance laws—Effect on title.
Status: in_force

(1) Leave from employment under this title is in addition to leave from employment during which benefits are paid or are payable under Title 51 RCW or other applicable federal or state industrial insurance laws. (2) An employee is disqualified from receiving family or medical leave benefits under this title for any week in which the employee is receiving, has received, or will receive compensation, as determined by the governing state or federal agency under: (a) Title 50 RCW; (b) RCW 51.32.060 ; (c) RCW 51.32.090 ; or (d) Any other applicable federal unemployment compensation, industrial insurance, or disability insurance laws.
RCW 50.29.063 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 29 / Section 063
RCW 50.29.063: Predecessor or successor employers—Transfer to obtain reduced array calculation factor rate—Evasion of successor provisions—Penalties.
Status: in_force

(1) If it is found that a significant purpose of the transfer of a business was to obtain a reduced array calculation factor rate, then the following applies: (a) If the successor was an employer at the time of the transfer, then the experience rating accounts of the employers involved shall be combined into a single account and the employers assigned the higher of the predecessor or successor array calculation factor rate to take effect as of the date of the transfer. (b) If the successor was not an employer at the time of the transfer, then the experience rating account of the acquired business must not be transferred and, instead, the sum of the rate determined by the commissioner under RCW 50.29.025 (1)(d) and 50.29.041 , if applicable, shall be assigned. (2) If any part of a delinquency for which an assessment is made under this title is due to an intent to knowingly evade the successorship provisions of RCW 50.29.062 and this section, then with respect to the employer, and to any business found to be knowingly promoting the evasion of such provisions: (a) The commissioner shall, for the rate year in which the commissioner makes the determination under this subsection and for each of the three consecutive rate years following that rate year, assign to the employer or business the total rate, which is the sum of the recalculated array calculation factor rate and a civil penalty assessment rate, calculated as follows: (i) Recalculate the array calculation factor rate as the array calculation factor rate that should have applied to the employer or business under RCW 50.29.025 and 50.29.062 ; and (ii) Calculate a civil penalty assessment rate in an amount that, when added to the array calculation factor rate determined under (a)(i) of this subsection for the applicable rate year, results in a total rate equal to the maximum array calculation factor rate under RCW 50.29.025 plus two percent, which total rate is not limited by any maximum array calculation factor rate established in RCW 50.29.025 (1)(b)(ii); (b) The employer or business may be prosecuted under the penalties prescribed in RCW 50.36.020 ; and (c) The employer or business must pay for the employment security department's reasonable expenses of auditing the employer's or business's books and collecting the civil penalty assessment. (3) If the person knowingly evading the successorship provisions, or knowingly attempting to evade these provisions, or knowingly promoting the evasion of these provisions, is not an employer, the person is subject to a civil penalty assessment of five thousand dollars per occurrence. In addition, the person is subject to the penalties prescribed in RCW 50.36.020 as if the person were an employer. The person must also pay for the employment security department's reasonable expenses of auditing his or her books and collecting the civil penalty assessment. (4) For purposes of this section: (a) "Knowingly" means having actual knowledge of or acting with deliberate ignorance or reckless disregard for the prohibition involved and includes, but is not limited to, intent to evade, misrepresentation, or willful nondisclosure. (b) "Person" means and includes an individual, a trust, estate, partnership, association, company, or corporation. (c) "Transfer of a business" includes the transfer or acquisition of substantially all or a portion of the operating assets, which may include the employer's workforce. (5) Any decision to assess a penalty under this section shall be made by the chief administrative officer of the tax branch or his or her designee. (6) Nothing in this section shall be construed to deny an employer the right to appeal the assessment of a penalty in the manner provided in RCW 50.32.030 . (7) The commissioner shall engage in prevention, detection, and collection activities related to evasion of the successorship provisions of RCW 50.29.062 and this section, and establish procedures to enforce this section.
RCW 50.98.110 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 98 / Section 110
RCW 50.98.110: Compliance with federal unemployment tax act—Internal references—Interpretation.
Status: in_force

Chapter 292, Laws of 1977 ex. sess. has been enacted to meet the requirements imposed by the federal unemployment tax act as amended by PL 94-566. Internal references in any section of chapter 292, Laws of 1977 ex. sess. to the provisions of that act are intended only to apply to those provisions as they existed as of *the effective date of chapter 292, Laws of 1977 ex. sess. In view of the importance of compliance of chapter 292, Laws of 1977 ex. sess. with the federal unemployment tax act, any ambiguities contained herein should be resolved in a manner consistent with the provisions of that act. Considerable weight has been given to the commentary contained in that document entitled "Draft Language and Commentary to Implement the Unemployment Compensation Amendments of 1976 PL 94-566", published by the United States department of labor, employment and training administration, and that commentary should be referred to when interpreting the provisions of chapter 292, Laws of 1977 ex. sess.
RCW 50.65.143 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 143
RCW 50.65.143: Limitation on use of funds for administration—Service corps.
Status: in_force

(1) Not more than fifteen percent of the funds available for the service corps shall be expended for administrative costs. For the purposes of this chapter, "administrative costs" include, but are not limited to, program planning and evaluation, budget development and monitoring, personnel management, contract administration, administrative payroll, development of program reports, and administrative office space costs and utilities. (2) The fifteen percent limitation does not include costs for any of the following: Program support activities such as direct supervision of enrollees and corpsmembers, counseling, education and job training, equipment, advisory board expenses, and extraordinary recruitment and placement procedures necessary to fill project positions. (3) The total for all items included under subsection (1) of this section and excluded under subsection (2) of this section shall not: (a) Exceed thirty percent of the appropriated funds available during a fiscal biennium for the service and conservation corps programs; or (b) result in an average cost per enrollee or corpsmember from general funds exceeding seven thousand dollars in the 1987-89 biennium and in succeeding biennia as adjusted by inflation factors established by the office of financial management for state budgeting purposes. The test included in (a) and (b) of this subsection are in the alternative, and it is only required that one of the tests be satisfied.
RCW 50.98.020 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 98 / Section 020
RCW 50.98.020: Appointments and regulations continued.
Status: repealed

The repeal of any acts or parts of acts by this act shall not affect the appointment or employment of any individual or salary, wages, compensation, powers or duties relating to such individual which would continue in effect except for such repeal. Rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the provisions of any acts or parts of acts repealed by this act consistent with the provisions of this act are not affected by such repeal and are hereby continued in full force and effect.
RCW 50.72.070 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 72 / Section 070
RCW 50.72.070: Grant applicants—Information required—Evaluation reports.
Status: in_force

(1) An applicant selected for funding under this chapter shall provide the department information on program and participant accomplishments. The information shall be provided in progress and final reports as requested by the department. (2) A final evaluation report shall be prepared on individual programs at the time of their completion. The final evaluation report shall include, but is not limited to, information on the effectiveness of the program, the status of program participants, and recommendations on program administration at the state and local level.
RCW 50.22.005 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 22 / Section 005
RCW 50.22.005: Collaborative review of programs.
Status: in_force

The employment security department shall periodically bring together representatives of the workforce training and education coordinating board, workforce development councils, the state board for community and technical colleges, business, labor, and the legislature to review development and implementation of chapter 566, Laws of 2009 and related programs under this chapter.
RCW 50.65.330 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 330
RCW 50.65.330: Washington serves—Gifts, grants, endowments—Matching funds.
Status: in_force

The department may receive such gifts, grants, and endowments from private or public sources that may be made from time to time, in trust or otherwise, for the use and benefit of the Washington serves program and spend the same or any income therefrom according to the terms of the gifts, grants, or endowments. The department may also use funds appropriated for the purposes of this chapter as matching funds for federal or private source funds to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.
RCW 50.65.200 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 200
RCW 50.65.200: Washington serves—Findings—Declaration.
Status: in_force

The legislature finds that: (1) Budget constraints are causing severe gaps and reductions in vital services to local communities and citizens. Some of these gaps in services can be filled by citizen volunteers through an organized program to recruit and place volunteers and to expand opportunities for volunteers to serve their communities; (2) The federal government is proposing expansion of national services programs. These programs may require significant matching resources from states. State funds supporting the Washington serves program can serve as a required matching source to leverage additional federal national service resources; (3) Washington state has, through the Washington service corps, successfully offered service opportunities and meaningful work experience to young adults between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five years; (4) The need exists to expand full-time volunteer opportunities to citizens age twenty-one and over, to encourage senior citizens, college graduates, professional and technically skilled persons, and other adult citizens, to contribute their critical expertise, experience, labor, and commitment to meeting the needs of their communities; (5) It is appropriate and in the public's interest for Washington state to create opportunities for citizens to engage in full-time, meaningful volunteer service in governmental or private nonprofit agencies, institutions, programs, or activities that address the social, economic, educational, civic, cultural, or environmental needs of local communities; (6) Through volunteer service, citizens apply their skills and knowledge to the resolution of critical problems or meeting unmet needs, gain valuable experience, refine or develop new skills, and instill a sense of civic pride and commitment to their community; (7) There is a need to coordinate state and federally funded volunteer service programs that provide living allowances and other benefits to volunteers to maximize the benefits to volunteers and the organizations in which they serve. It is therefore the legislature's desire to expand full-time volunteer opportunities for citizens age twenty-one and over and to provide appropriate incentives to those who serve. Such a program should be implemented statewide and coordinated across programs.
RCW 50A.30.080 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 30 / Section 080
RCW 50A.30.080: Voluntary plans—Reports, information, and records.
Status: in_force

Employers whose employees are participating in an approved voluntary plan must maintain all reports, information, and records as relating to the voluntary plan and claims for six years and furnish for the commissioner upon request.
RCW 50.32.110 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 32 / Section 110
RCW 50.32.110: Fees for administrative hearings.
Status: in_force

No individual shall be charged fees of any kind in any proceeding involving the individual's application for initial determination, or claim for waiting period credit, or claim for benefits, under this title by the commissioner or his or her representatives, or by an appeal tribunal, or any court, or any officer thereof. Any individual in any such proceeding before the commissioner or any appeal tribunal may be represented by counsel or other duly authorized agent who shall neither charge nor receive a fee for such services in excess of an amount found reasonable by the officer conducting such proceeding.
RCW 50.04.295 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 295
RCW 50.04.295: Payments in lieu of contributions.
Status: in_force

"Payments in lieu of contributions" means money payments due to the state unemployment compensation fund as provided in RCW 50.44.060 .
RCW 50A.20.030 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 20 / Section 030
RCW 50A.20.030: Employer requirements.
Status: in_force

(1) In the form and at the times specified in this title and by the commissioner, an employer shall make reports, furnish information, and collect and remit premiums as required by this title to the department. If the employer is a temporary help company that provides employees on a temporary basis to its customers, the temporary help company is considered the employer for purposes of this section. (2)(a) An employer must keep at the employer's place of business a record of employment, for a period of six years, from which the information needed by the department for purposes of this title may be obtained. This record shall at all times be open to the inspection of the commissioner. (b) Information obtained under this title from employer records is confidential and not open to public inspection, other than to public employees in the performance of their official duties. However, an interested party shall be supplied with information from employer records to the extent necessary for the proper presentation of the case in question. An employer may authorize inspection of the employer's records by written consent. (3) The requirements relating to the collection of family and medical leave premiums are as provided in this title. Before issuing a warning letter, the department shall enforce the collection of premiums through conference and conciliation. These requirements apply to: (a) An employer that fails under this title to make the required reports, or fails to remit the full amount of the premiums when due; (b) An employer that willfully makes a false statement or misrepresentation regarding a material fact, or willfully fails to report a material fact, to avoid making the required reports or remitting the full amount of the premiums when due under this title; (c) A successor in the manner specified in RCW 50A.10.050 ; and (d) An officer, member, or owner having control or supervision of payment and/or reporting of family and medical leave premiums, or who is charged with the responsibility for the filing of returns, in the manner specified in RCW 50A.45.010 . (4) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this section, appeals are governed by RCW 50A.50.010 .
RCW 50.16.050 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 16 / Section 050
RCW 50.16.050: Unemployment compensation administration fund.
Status: in_force

(1) There is hereby established a fund to be known as the unemployment compensation administration fund. Except as otherwise provided in this section, all moneys which are deposited or paid into this fund are hereby made available to the commissioner. All moneys in this fund shall be expended solely for the purpose of defraying the cost of the administration of this title, and for no other purpose whatsoever. All moneys received from the United States of America, or any agency thereof, for said purpose pursuant to section 302 of the social security act, as amended, shall be expended solely for the purposes and in the amounts found necessary by the secretary of labor for the proper and efficient administration of this title. All moneys received from the United States employment service, United States department of labor, for said purpose pursuant to the act of congress approved June 6, 1933, as amended or supplemented by any other act of congress, shall be expended solely for the purposes and in the amounts found necessary by the secretary of labor for the proper and efficient administration of the public employment office system of this state. The unemployment compensation administration fund shall consist of all moneys received from the United States of America or any department or agency thereof, or from any other source, for such purpose. All moneys in this fund shall be deposited, administered, and disbursed by the treasurer of the unemployment compensation fund under rules and regulations of the commissioner and none of the provisions of RCW 43.01.050 shall be applicable to this fund. The treasurer last named shall be the treasurer of the unemployment compensation administration fund and shall give a bond conditioned upon the faithful performance of his or her duties in connection with that fund. All sums recovered on the official bond for losses sustained by the unemployment compensation administration fund shall be deposited in said fund. (2) Notwithstanding any provision of this section: (a) All money requisitioned and deposited in this fund pursuant to RCW 50.16.030 (6) shall remain part of the unemployment compensation fund and shall be used only in accordance with the conditions specified in RCW 50.16.030 (4), (5) and (6). (b) All money deposited in this fund pursuant to RCW 50.38.065 shall be used only after appropriation and only for the purposes of RCW 50.38.060 .
RCW 50.32.190 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 32 / Section 190
RCW 50.32.190: Costs, charges, and expenses.
Status: in_force

Whenever any appeal is taken from any decision of the commissioner to any court, all expenses and costs incurred therein by said commissioner, including court reporter costs and attorneys' fees and all costs taxed against such commissioner, shall be paid out of the unemployment compensation administration fund. Neither the commissioner nor the state shall be charged any fee for any service rendered in connection with litigation under the unemployment compensation act by the clerk of any court.
RCW 50A.35.020 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 35 / Section 020
RCW 50A.35.020: Continuation of health benefits.
Status: in_force

If required by the federal family and medical leave act, as it existed on October 19, 2017, during any period of family or medical leave taken under this title, the employer shall maintain any existing health benefits of the employee in force for the duration of such leave as if the employee had continued to work from the date the employee commenced family or medical leave until the date the employee returns to employment. If the employer and employee share the cost of the existing health benefits, the employee remains responsible for the employee's share of the cost. This section does not apply to an employee who is not in employment for an employer at the time of filing an application for benefits.

PDF RCW 50A.35.020

Continuation of health benefits. (Effective January 1, 2026.)

(1) Except as provided under subsection (2) of this section, during any period of family or medical leave taken under this title, the employer shall maintain any existing health benefits of the employee in force for the duration of such leave as if the employee had continued to work from the date the employee commenced family or medical leave until the date the employee returns to employment. If the employer and employee share the cost of the existing health benefits, the employee remains responsible for the employee's share of the cost. (2) This section does not apply if: (a) An employee is not employed by the employer at the time of filing an application for benefits; (b) An employee is not entitled to employment protection under RCW 50A.35.010 ; or (c) The employee did not exercise the right to employment protection within the time periods provided under RCW 50A.35.010 (7).
RCW 50.04.210 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 210
RCW 50.04.210: Employment—Foreign governmental service.
Status: in_force

The term "employment" shall not include service performed in the employ of any other state or its political subdivisions, or of the United States government, or of any instrumentality of any other state or states or their political subdivisions, or the United States; except that if the congress of the United States shall permit states to require any instrumentality of the United States to make payments into an unemployment fund under a state unemployment compensation act, then, to the extent permitted by congress, and from and after the date when such permission becomes effective all the provisions of this title shall be applicable to such instrumentalities and to services performed for such instrumentalities in the same manner, to the same extent and on the same terms as to all other employers, employing units, individuals and services: PROVIDED, That if this state should not be certified by the social security board under section 903 of the social security act, as amended, for any year, then the payment required of such instrumentalities with respect to such year shall be deemed to be erroneously collected and shall be refunded by the commissioner from the fund in accordance with the provisions of this title relating to adjustments and refunds of contributions, interest, or penalties which have been paid.
RCW 50A.15.110 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 15 / Section 110
RCW 50A.15.110: Leave available under other laws—Coordination.
Status: in_force

(1) Leave under this title and leave under the federal family and medical leave act of 1993 (Act Feb. 5, 1993, P.L. 103-3, 107 Stat. 6, as it existed on October 19, 2017) is in addition to any leave for sickness or temporary disability because of pregnancy or childbirth. (2) Unless otherwise expressly permitted by the employer, leave taken under this title must be taken concurrently with any leave taken under the federal family and medical leave act of 1993 (Act Feb. 5, 1993, P.L. 103-3, 107 Stat. 6, as it existed on October 19, 2017).
RCW 50.76.030 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 76 / Section 030
RCW 50.76.030: Relocation—Grant eligibility.
Status: in_force

(1) A call center employer that appears on the list specified in RCW 50.76.020 is ineligible for any direct or indirect grants or loans awarded by a state agency for five years after the employer appears on the list. The employment security department, in consultation with the appropriate state agency, may waive the ineligibility if the employer applying for a grant or loan demonstrates that the lack of the grant or loan would result in substantial job loss in the state or would harm the environment. (2) If a state agency finds that a call center employer was ineligible under this section for a grant or loan that was awarded after July 27, 2025, the employer must immediately remit the value of the grant or loan.
RCW 50.22.030 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 22 / Section 030
RCW 50.22.030: Extended benefit eligibility conditions—Interstate claim.
Status: in_force

(1) An individual shall be eligible to receive extended benefits with respect to any week of unemployment in his or her eligibility period only if the commissioner finds with respect to such week that: (a) The individual is an "exhaustee" as defined in RCW 50.22.010 ; (b) He or she has satisfied the requirements of this title for the receipt of regular benefits that are applicable to individuals claiming extended benefits, including not being subject to a disqualification for the receipt of benefits; and (c) He or she has earned wages in the applicable base year of at least: (i) Forty times his or her weekly benefit amount; or (ii) One and one-half times his or her insured wages in the calendar quarter of the base period in which the insured wages are the highest, for weeks of unemployment on or after July 3, 1992. (2) An individual filing an interstate claim in any state under the interstate benefit payment plan shall not be eligible to receive extended benefits for any week beyond the first two weeks claimed for which extended benefits are payable unless an extended benefit period embracing such week is also in effect in the agent state.
RCW 50.04.073 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 073
RCW 50.04.073: Contributions—As including "payments in lieu of contributions"—Scope.
Status: in_force

The term "contributions" as used in this title shall be deemed to include "payments in lieu of contributions" to the extent that such usage is consistent with the purposes of this title. Such construction shall include but not be limited to those portions of this title dealing with assessments, interest, penalties, liens, collection procedures and remedies, administrative and judicial review, and the imposition of administrative, civil and criminal sanctions.
RCW 50.20.099 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 099
RCW 50.20.099: Training benefits—Eligibility to work in the United States.
Status: in_force

(1) To ensure that unemployment insurance benefits are paid in accordance with RCW 50.20.098 , the employment security department shall verify that an individual is eligible to work in the United States before the individual receives training benefits under RCW 50.22.150 or 50.22.155 . (2) By July 1, 2002, the employment security department shall: (a) Develop and implement an effective method for determining, where appropriate, eligibility to work in the United States for individuals applying for unemployment benefits under this title; (b) Review verification systems developed by federal agencies for verifying a person's eligibility to receive unemployment benefits under this title and evaluate the effectiveness of these systems for use in this state; and (c) Report its initial findings to the legislature by September 1, 2000, and its final report by July 1, 2002. (3) Where federal law prohibits the conditioning of unemployment benefits on a verification of an individual's status as a qualified or authorized alien, the requirements of this section shall not apply.
RCW 50A.15.120 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 15 / Section 120
RCW 50A.15.120: Assignment, pledge, or encumbrance of right to benefits due or payable void—Exemptions.
Status: in_force

Any assignment, pledge, or encumbrance of any right to benefits that are or may become due or payable under this title is void. Such rights to benefits are exempt from levy, execution, attachment, or any other remedy whatsoever provided for the collection of debts, except as provided in RCW 50A.15.080 . Benefits received by any employee, so long as they are not commingled with other funds of the recipient, are exempt from any remedy whatsoever for collection of all debts except debts incurred for necessaries furnished to such employee or the employee's spouse or dependents during the time when such individual was receiving family or medical leave. Any waiver of any exemption provided for in this section is void.
RCW 50.04.125 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 125
RCW 50.04.125: Employment—Foreign degree-granting institutions—Employee services localized in country of domicile.
Status: in_force

The services of employees of a foreign degree-granting institution who are nonimmigrant aliens under the immigration laws of the United States, shall, for the purposes of RCW 50.04.120 , be considered to be localized or principally localized, in the country of domicile of the foreign degree-granting institution as defined in RCW 28B.90.010 in those instances where the income of those employees would be exempt from taxation by virtue of the terms and provisions of any treaty between the United States and the country of domicile of the foreign degree-granting institution. However, a foreign degree-granting institution is not precluded from otherwise establishing that a nonimmigrant employee's services are, for the purpose of such statutes, principally located in its country of domicile.
RCW 50.22.130 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 22 / Section 130
RCW 50.22.130: Training benefits program—Intent.
Status: in_force

It is the intent of the legislature that a training benefits program be established to provide unemployment insurance benefits to unemployed individuals who participate in training programs necessary for their reemployment. The legislature further intends that this program serve the following goals: (1) Retraining should be available for those unemployed individuals whose skills are no longer in demand; (2) Training must enhance the individual's marketable skills and earning power; and (3) Retraining must be targeted to high-demand occupations. The legislature further intends that funding for this program be limited by a specified maximum amount each fiscal year.
RCW 50A.20.010 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 20 / Section 010
RCW 50A.20.010: Employee notice of rights.
Status: in_force

Whenever an employee of an employer who is qualified for benefits under this title is absent from work to provide family leave, or take medical leave for more than seven consecutive days, the employer shall provide the employee with a written statement of the employee's rights under this title in a form prescribed by the commissioner. The statement must be provided to the employee within five business days after the employee's seventh consecutive day of absence due to family or medical leave, or within five business days after the employer has received notice that the employee's absence is due to family or medical leave, whichever is later.

PDF RCW 50A.20.010

Employee notice of rights. (Effective January 1, 2026.)

(1) Whenever an employee of an employer who is qualified for benefits under this title is absent from work to provide family leave, or take medical leave for more than seven consecutive days, the employer shall provide the employee with a written statement of the employee's rights under this title in a form prescribed by the commissioner. The statement must be provided to the employee within five business days after the employee's seventh consecutive day of absence due to family or medical leave, or within five business days after the employer has received notice that the employee's absence is due to family or medical leave, whichever is later. (2) The commissioner shall develop the written statement of employee rights to be distributed by an employer under this section. At a minimum, the statement must explain, in an easy to understand format, eligibility requirements, possible weekly benefits, application processes, employment protection rights, and nondiscrimination rights, and direct the employee to appropriate contacts and portals for more information.
RCW 50A.10.020 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 10 / Section 020
RCW 50A.10.020: Elective coverage—Tribes.
Status: in_force

A federally recognized tribe may elect coverage under RCW 50A.10.010 . The department shall adopt rules to implement this section.
RCW 50.04.040 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 040
RCW 50.04.040: Benefits.
Status: in_force

"Benefits" means the compensation payable to an individual, as provided in this title, with respect to his or her unemployment.
RCW 50.04.060 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 060
RCW 50.04.060: Commissioner.
Status: in_force

"Commissioner" means the administrative head of the state employment security department referred to in this title.
RCW 50.60.010 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 60 / Section 010
RCW 50.60.010: Legislative intent.
Status: in_force

In order to provide an economic climate conducive to the retention of skilled workers in industries adversely affected by general economic downturns and to supplement depressed buying power of employees affected by such downturns, the legislature finds that the public interest would be served by the enactment of laws providing greater flexibility in the payment of unemployment compensation benefits in situations where qualified employers elect to retain employees at reduced hours rather than instituting layoffs.
RCW 50.32.150 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 32 / Section 150
RCW 50.32.150: Jurisdiction of court.
Status: in_force

In all court proceedings under or pursuant to this title the decision of the commissioner shall be prima facie correct, and the burden of proof shall be upon the party attacking the same. If the court shall determine that the commissioner has acted within his or her power and has correctly construed the law, the decision of the commissioner shall be confirmed; otherwise, it shall be reversed or modified. In case of a modification or reversal the superior court shall refer the same to the commissioner with an order directing him or her to proceed in accordance with the findings of the court. Whenever any order and notice of assessment shall have become final in accordance with the provisions of this title, the court shall upon application of the commissioner enter a judgment in the amount provided for in said order and notice of assessment, and said judgment shall have and be given the same effect as if entered pursuant to civil action instituted in said court.
RCW 50.24.200 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 24 / Section 200
RCW 50.24.200: Chargeoff of uncollectible accounts.
Status: in_force

The commissioner may charge off as uncollectible and no longer an asset of the unemployment compensation fund or the administrative contingency fund, as the case may be, any delinquent contributions, interest, penalties, credits, or benefit overpayments if the commissioner is satisfied that there are no cost-effective means of collecting the contributions, interest, penalties, credits, or benefit overpayments.
RCW 50.20.060 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 060
RCW 50.20.060: Disqualification from benefits due to misconduct.
Status: in_force

With respect to claims that have an effective date before January 4, 2004, an individual shall be disqualified from benefits beginning with the first day of the calendar week in which he or she has been discharged or suspended for misconduct connected with his or her work and thereafter for seven calendar weeks and until he or she has obtained bona fide work in employment covered by this title and earned wages in that employment equal to seven times his or her weekly benefit amount. Alcoholism shall not constitute a defense to disqualification from benefits due to misconduct.
RCW 50.29.070 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 29 / Section 070
RCW 50.29.070: Notice of employer benefit charges and rate of contribution—Review and appeal.
Status: in_force

(1) Within a reasonable time after the computation date each employer shall be notified of the employer's rate of contribution as determined for the succeeding rate year and factors used in the calculation. Beginning with rate year 2005, the notice must include the amount of the contribution rate that is attributable to each component of the rate under RCW 50.29.025 (1). (2) Any employer dissatisfied with the benefit charges made to the employer's account for the twelve-month period immediately preceding the computation date or with his or her determined rate may file a request for review and redetermination with the commissioner within thirty days of the mailing of the notice to the employer, showing the reason for such request. Should such request for review and redetermination be denied, the employer may, within thirty days of the mailing of such notice of denial, file with the appeal tribunal a petition for hearing which shall be heard in the same manner as a petition for denial of refund. The appellate procedure prescribed by this title for further appeal shall apply to all denials of review and redetermination under this section.
RCW 50.32.070 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 32 / Section 070
RCW 50.32.070: Petition for review by commissioner.
Status: in_force

Within thirty days from the date of notification or mailing, whichever is the earlier, of any decision of an appeal tribunal, the commissioner on his or her own order may, or upon petition of any interested party shall, take jurisdiction of the proceedings for the purpose of review thereof. Appeal from any decision of an appeal tribunal may be perfected so as to prevent finality of such decision if, within thirty days from the date of mailing the appeal tribunal decision, or notification thereof, whichever is the earlier, a petition in writing for review by the commissioner is received by the commissioner or by such representative of the commissioner as the commissioner by regulation shall prescribe. The commissioner may also prevent finality of any decision of an appeal tribunal and take jurisdiction of the proceedings for his or her review thereof by entering an order so providing on his or her own motion and mailing a copy thereof to the interested parties within the same period allowed herein for receipt of a petition for review. The time limit provided herein for the commissioner's assumption of jurisdiction on his or her own motion for review shall be deemed to be jurisdictional.
RCW 50.32.140 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 32 / Section 140
RCW 50.32.140: Interstate petitions to Thurston county.
Status: in_force

RCW 34.05.514 to the contrary notwithstanding, petitions to the superior court from decisions of the commissioner dealing with the applications or claims relating to benefit payments which were filed outside of this state with an authorized representative of the commissioner shall be filed with the superior court of Thurston county which shall have the original venue of such appeals.
RCW 50A.25.070 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 25 / Section 070
RCW 50A.25.070: Data-sharing contracts—When authorized—Disclosure to state or local government agencies.
Status: in_force

(1) The department may enter into data-sharing contracts and may disclose records and information deemed confidential to state or local government agencies under this chapter only if permitted under subsection (2) of this section and RCW 50A.25.090 . A state or local government agency must need the records or information for an official purpose and must also provide: (a) An application in writing to the department for the records or information containing a statement of the official purposes for which the state or local government agency needs the information or records and specifically identify the records or information sought from the department; and (b) A written verification of the need for the specific information from the director, commissioner, chief executive, or other official of the requesting state or local government agency either on the application or on a separate document. (2) The department may disclose information or records deemed confidential under this chapter to the following state or local government agencies: (a) To the department of social and health services to identify child support obligations as defined in RCW 50A.15.080 and for the purposes of administering the department's responsibilities under Title 50B RCW; (b) To the department of revenue to determine potential tax liability or employer compliance with registration and licensing requirements; (c) To the department of labor and industries to compare records or information to detect improper or fraudulent claims; (d) To the office of financial management for the purpose of conducting periodic salary or fringe benefit studies pursuant to law or for the actuarial services created under chapter 233, Laws of 2022; (e) To the office of the state treasurer and any financial or banking institutions deemed necessary by the office of the state treasurer and the department for the proper administration of funds; (f) To the office of the attorney general for purposes of legal representation; (g) To a county clerk for the purpose of RCW 9.94A.760 if requested by the county clerk's office; (h) To the office of administrative hearings for the purpose of administering the administrative appeal process; (i) To the department of enterprise services for the purpose of agency administration and operations; (j) To Washington technology solutions for the purpose of enterprise technology support; (k) To the health care authority and the office of the state actuary for the purposes of administering the department's responsibilities under Title 50B RCW; (l) To the office of the state actuary for the purpose of performing actuarial services to assess the financial stability and solvency of the family and medical leave program, and specifically the family and medical leave insurance account created in RCW 50A.05.070 ; and (m) To the joint legislative audit and review committee, in accordance with RCW 44.28.110 , for the purpose of conducting performance audits. (3) The department may also enter into data-sharing agreements with other state or local government agencies solely for the purposes of program evaluation under this title or Title 50B RCW.
RCW 50.20.066 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 066
RCW 50.20.066: Disqualification from benefits due to misconduct—Cancellation of hourly wage credits due to gross misconduct.
Status: in_force

With respect to claims that have an effective date on or after January 4, 2004: (1) An individual shall be disqualified from benefits beginning with the first day of the calendar week in which he or she has been discharged or suspended for misconduct connected with his or her work and thereafter for ten calendar weeks and until he or she has obtained bona fide work in employment covered by this title and earned wages in that employment equal to ten times his or her weekly benefit amount. Alcoholism shall not constitute a defense to disqualification from benefits due to misconduct. (2) An individual who has been discharged from his or her work because of gross misconduct shall have all hourly wage credits based on that employment or six hundred eighty hours of wage credits, whichever is greater, canceled. (3) The employer shall notify the department of a felony or gross misdemeanor of which an individual has been convicted, or has admitted committing to a competent authority, not later than six months following the admission or conviction. (4) The claimant shall disclose any conviction of the claimant of a work-connected felony or gross misdemeanor occurring in the previous two years to the department at the time of application for benefits. (5) All benefits that are paid in error based on this section are recoverable, notwithstanding RCW 50.20.190 or 50.24.020 or any other provisions of this title.
RCW 50A.40.040 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 40 / Section 040
RCW 50A.40.040: Damages—Recovery—Private right of action—Complaint withdrawal, resolution—Termination of department's administrative action.
Status: in_force

(1) A private action to recover damages under RCW 50A.40.030 may be brought against any employer by any one or more employees for and on behalf of: (a) The employee or employees; or (b) The employees and other employees similarly situated. (2) Any action under subsection (1) of this section must be filed with a court of competent jurisdiction within the state. Any private action for an alleged violation of RCW 50A.40.010 must be commenced within three years of the date of the alleged violation. (3) In an action under subsection (1) of this section the court shall, in addition to any judgment awarded to a prevailing plaintiff, award reasonable attorneys' fees, reasonable expert witness fees, and other costs of the action to be paid by the defendant. (4) A private right of action is only available to an employee who either has not filed a complaint with the department, has withdrawn a filed complaint under subsection (5) of this section, or has resolved a complaint under subsection (6) of this section. (5) An employee who has filed a complaint with the department under RCW 50A.40.020 may elect to withdraw the complaint by providing written notice to the department within ten business days after filing the complaint with the department. Withdrawing a complaint terminates the department's administrative action. (6) A complaint may be resolved upon agreement by all parties. Resolution of a complaint must be communicated to the department prior to the department's issuance of a determination. Resolution of a complaint terminates the department's administrative action. (7) In the event the department's administrative action is terminated under subsection (5) or (6) of this section: (a) The department will immediately discontinue its investigation and any action against the employer; and (b) The determination, if already issued, along with any related findings of fact and conclusions of law, and any payments or offers of payment made by the employer including interest, are not admissible in any court action or other judicial or administrative proceeding. (8) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or affect: (a) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, the right of any employee to pursue any judicial, administrative, or other action available with respect to an employer; (b) The right of the department to pursue any judicial, administrative, or other action available with respect to an employee that is identified as a result of a complaint under RCW 50A.40.020 ; or (c) The right of the department to pursue any judicial, administrative, or other action available with respect to an employer in the absence of a complaint.
RCW 50.24.060 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 24 / Section 060
RCW 50.24.060: Lien in event of insolvency or dissolution.
Status: in_force

In the event of any distribution of an employer's assets pursuant to an order of any court, including any receivership, probate, legal dissolution, or similar proceeding, or in case of any assignment for the benefit of creditors, composition, or similar proceeding, contributions, interest, or penalties then or thereafter due shall be a lien upon all the assets of such employer. Said lien will be prior to all other liens or claims except prior tax liens, other liens provided by this title, and claims for remuneration for services of not more than two hundred and fifty dollars to each claimant earned within six months of the commencement of the proceeding. The mere existence of a condition of insolvency or the institution of any judicial proceeding for legal dissolution or of any proceeding for distribution of assets shall cause such a lien to attach without action on behalf of the commissioner or the state. In the event of an employer's adjudication in bankruptcy, judicially confirmed extension proposal, or composition, under the federal bankruptcy act of 1898, as amended, contributions, interest, or penalties then or thereafter due shall be entitled to such priority as provided in that act, as amended.
RCW 50.12.250 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 250
RCW 50.12.250: Information clearinghouse to assist in employment of persons of disability.
Status: in_force

The employment security department shall establish an information clearinghouse for use by persons of disability and governmental and private employers. The services of the clearinghouse shall include: (1) Provision of information on private and state services available to assist persons of disability in their training and employment needs; (2) Provision of information on private, state, and federal incentive programs and services available to employers of persons of disability; and (3) Publication of a comprehensive list of programs and services in subsections (1) and (2) of this section.
RCW 50.12.360 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 360
RCW 50.12.360: Unemployment insurance claim adjudicator training program—Report.
Status: in_force

(1) The employment security department must create a training program to prepare a reserve force of skilled unemployment insurance claim adjudicators who can be available quickly when claims volume demands. (2) The program must: (a) Be open to both state and other public employees and private citizens; (b) Be of sufficient quality that persons completing the training and any required continuing education would be ready to work as an unemployment insurance claim adjudicator within one week of commencing employment with the employment security department; and (c) Provide a certification of completion to participants who complete the program. (3) The office of financial management must collaborate with the employment security department to assist the department in identifying agencies with current state employees who meet the minimum qualifications for unemployment insurance claims' adjudicator. Employees at other agencies, who meet the minimum qualifications of the unemployment insurance claims' adjudicator classification, may, upon approval of their agency, attend required training provided by the department. In designated times of high unemployment claims, current state employees who have completed required training and who are otherwise qualified may be selected to assist the department in processing unemployment insurance claims or related activities. The office of financial management may adopt rules or issue guidance to assist in the implementation of this provision. (4) By October 1, 2021, and each year thereafter, the employment security department must provide a report to the house of representatives committee on labor and workplace standards and the senate committee on labor, commerce, and tribal affairs, or successor committees, on the number of persons with current certifications under subsection (2)(c) of this section, the number of people employed by the department and over what period of time, and the adjudicator training and hiring costs.
RCW 50A.25.110 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 25 / Section 110
RCW 50A.25.110: Disclosure by the family and medical leave program of the department—When authorized.
Status: in_force

The paid family and medical leave program of the department and the long-term services and supports trust administering agencies may disclose information or records deemed private and confidential under this chapter to any private person or organization, and by extension, the agents of any private person or organization, when the disclosure is necessary to permit private contracting parties to assist in the operation, management, and implementation of the program in instances where certain departmental functions may be delegated to private parties to increase the department's efficiency or quality of service to the public. The private person or organization shall use the information or records solely for the purpose for which the information was disclosed and shall be bound by the same rules of privacy and confidentiality as department employees.
RCW 50.32.180 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 32 / Section 180
RCW 50.32.180: Remedies of title exclusive.
Status: in_force

The remedies provided in this title for determining the justness or correctness of assessments, refunds, adjustments, or claims shall be exclusive and no court shall entertain any action to enjoin an assessment or require a refund or adjustment except in accordance with the provisions of this title. Matters which may be determined by the procedures set out in this title shall not be the subject of any declaratory judgment.
RCW 50A.25.130 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 25 / Section 130
RCW 50A.25.130: Disclosure of records acquired in the performance of the department's obligation—When authorized.
Status: in_force

Where the family and medical leave program of the department contracts to provide services to other governmental or private organizations, the department may disclose to those organizations information or records deemed private and confidential that have been acquired in the performance of the department's obligations under the contracts.
RCW 50.60.100 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 60 / Section 100
RCW 50.60.100: Benefits—Weekly amount—Maximum entitlement—Claims—Conditions.
Status: in_force

(1) The shared work weekly benefit amount shall be the product of the regular weekly unemployment compensation benefit amount multiplied by the percentage of reduction in the individual's usual weekly hours of work; (2) No individual is eligible in any benefit year for more than the maximum entitlement established for benefits under this title, including benefits under this chapter; (3) The shared work benefits paid an individual shall be deducted from the total benefit amount established for that individual's benefit year; (4) Claims for shared work benefits shall be filed in the same manner as claims for other benefits under this title or as prescribed by the commissioner by rule; (5) Provisions otherwise applicable to unemployment compensation claimants under this title apply to shared work claimants to the extent that they are not inconsistent with this chapter; (6)(a) If an individual works in the same week for an employer other than the shared work employer and his or her combined hours of work for both employers are equal to or greater than the usual weekly hours of work with the shared work employer, the individual shall not be entitled to benefits under this chapter or title; (b) If an individual works in the same week for both the shared work employer and another employer and his or her combined hours of work for both employers are less than his or her usual weekly hours of work, the benefit amount payable for that week shall be the weekly unemployment compensation benefit amount reduced by the same percentage that the combined hours are of the usual weekly hours of work; (7) An individual who does not work during a week for the shared work employer, and is otherwise eligible, shall be paid his or her full weekly unemployment compensation benefit amount; (8) An individual who does not work for the shared work employer during a week but works for another employer, and is otherwise eligible, shall be paid benefits for that week under the partial unemployment compensation provisions of this title.
RCW 50.44.030 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 44 / Section 030
RCW 50.44.030: Political subdivisions, instrumentalities of this state and other state.
Status: in_force

(1) All services performed for any political subdivision or instrumentality of one or more political subdivisions of this state or one or more political subdivisions of this state and any other state after December 31, 1977, will be deemed to be services in employment to the extent coverage is not exempted under RCW 50.44.040 . (2) All such units of government shall file, before December 15, 1977, a written registration with the commissioner of the employment security department. Such registration shall specify the manner in which the unit of government will finance the payment of benefits. The elections available to counties, cities and towns are the local government tax, provided for in RCW 50.44.035 , or payment in lieu of contributions, as described in RCW 50.44.060 . The elections available to other units of government are the contributions plan in chapters 50.24 and 50.29 RCW, or payments in lieu of contributions, described in RCW 50.44.060 . Under any election the governmental unit will be charged the full amount of regular, additional, and extended benefits attributable to its account. (3) A unit of government may switch from its current method of financing the payment of benefits by electing any other method which it would be authorized to select pursuant to the terms of subsection (2) of this section. Notification of such election must be filed with the commissioner no less than thirty days prior to the taxable year for which the new method of financing the payment of benefits is to be effective. An election under this section shall remain in effect for no less than two taxable years. (4) Any political subdivision or instrumentality of more than one political subdivision of this state is hereby authorized to enter into agreements with other political subdivisions or instrumentalities of more than one political subdivision of this state to form pool accounts for the purpose of making payments in lieu of contributions. These accounts shall be formed and administered in accordance with applicable regulations. The formation of such accounts shall not relieve the governmental unit of the responsibility for making required payments in the event that the pool account does not make the payments.
RCW 50.04.180 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 180
RCW 50.04.180: Family employment.
Status: in_force

The term "employment" shall not include service performed by an individual in the employ of his or her spouse, nor shall it include service performed by an unmarried individual under the age of eighteen years in the employ of his or her parent or stepparent.
RCW 50.04.205 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 205
RCW 50.04.205: Services performed by aliens.
Status: in_force

Except as provided in RCW 50.04.206 , services performed by aliens legally or illegally admitted to the United States shall be considered services in employment subject to the payment of contributions to the extent that services by citizens are covered.
RCW 50.60.110 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 60 / Section 110
RCW 50.60.110: Benefits—Charge to employers' experience rating accounts.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, shared work benefits shall be charged to employers' experience rating accounts in the same manner as other benefits under this title are charged. Employers liable for payments in lieu of contributions shall have shared work benefits attributed to their accounts in the same manner as other benefits under this title are attributed. (2) Any amount of shared work benefits that is paid or reimbursed by the federal government is not charged to experience rating accounts of employers or to employers who are liable for payments in lieu of contributions. The employment security department shall remove charges for any amount of shared work benefits that is paid or reimbursed by the federal government.
RCW 50.04.148 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 148
RCW 50.04.148: Employment—Services performed by musician or entertainer.
Status: in_force

(1) The term "employment" shall not include services performed by a musician or entertainer under a written contract with a purchaser of the services for a specific engagement or engagements when such musician or entertainer performs no other duties for the purchaser and is not regularly and continuously employed by the purchaser. The contract shall designate the leader of the music or entertainment group. A music or entertainment business or a leader of a music or entertainment group shall be considered an employer and not a purchaser of music or entertainment services. (2) Any musician or entertainer who performs for a music or entertainment business or as a member of a music or entertainment group is deemed an employee of the business or group and the business or the leader of the group shall be required to register as an employer with the department. (3) Purchasers of services under subsection (1) of this section shall not be subject to RCW 50.24.130 relating to a principal's liability for unpaid contributions if the services are purchased from a business or group registered as an employer with the department. (4) The term "music or entertainment business" or "group" as used in this section means an employer whose principal business activity is music or entertainment. The term does not include those entities who provide music or entertainment for members or patrons incidental to their principal business activity, and does not include an individual employing musicians or entertainers on a casual basis.
RCW 50.12.040 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 040
RCW 50.12.040: Rule-making authority.
Status: repealed

Permanent and emergency rules shall be adopted, amended, or repealed by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of Title 34 RCW and the rules adopted pursuant thereto: PROVIDED, That the commissioner may not adopt rules after July 23, 1995, that are based solely on a section of law stating a statute's intent or purpose, on the enabling provisions of the statute establishing the agency, or on any combination of such provisions, for statutory authority to adopt any rule.
RCW 50.13.050 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Section 050
RCW 50.13.050: Access to records or information by interested party in proceeding before appeal tribunal or commissioner—Decisions not private and confidential, exception.
Status: in_force

(1) Any interested party, as defined by rule, in a proceeding before the appeal tribunal or commissioner shall have access to any information or records deemed private and confidential under this chapter if the information or records are material to the issues in that proceeding. (2) No decisions by the commissioner or the appeals tribunal shall be deemed private and confidential under this chapter unless the decisions are based on information obtained in a closed hearing.
RCW 50.50.060 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 50 / Section 060
RCW 50.50.060: Extended benefits—Financing by Indian tribe.
Status: in_force

Extended benefits paid that are attributable to service in the employ of an Indian tribe and not reimbursed by the federal government must be financed in their entirety by such Indian tribe.
RCW 50.20.210 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 210
RCW 50.20.210: Notification of availability of basic health plan.
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall notify any person filing a claim under this chapter who resides in a local area served by the Washington basic health plan of the availability of basic health care coverage to qualified enrollees in the Washington basic health plan under chapter 70.47 RCW, unless the Washington basic health plan administrator has notified the commissioner of a closure of enrollment in the area. The commissioner shall maintain a supply of Washington basic health plan enrollment application forms, which shall be provided in reasonably necessary quantities by the administrator, in each appropriate employment service office for the use of persons wishing to apply for enrollment in the Washington basic health plan.
RCW 50.75.050 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 75 / Section 050
RCW 50.75.050: Conflict with federal requirements—2019 c 441.
Status: in_force

If any part of this act is found to be in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state or the eligibility of employers in this state for federal unemployment tax credits, the conflicting part of this act is inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict, and the finding or determination does not affect the operation of the remainder of this act. Rules adopted under this act must meet federal requirements that are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state or the granting of federal unemployment tax credits to employers in this state.
RCW 50.22.105 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 22 / Section 105
RCW 50.22.105: Supplemental additional benefits—February 26, 1994, through December 31, 1995—Eligibility.
Status: in_force

Supplemental additional benefits shall be available to individuals who, under this chapter, had a balance of extended benefits available after payments up to and including the week ending February 26, 1994. (1) Total supplemental additional benefits payable shall be equal to the extended benefit balance remaining after extended benefit payments for up to and including the week ending February 26, 1994, and shall be paid at the same weekly benefit amount. (2) The week ending March 5, 1994, is the first week for which supplemental additional benefits are payable. (3) Supplemental additional benefits shall be paid under the same terms and conditions as extended benefits. (4) Supplemental additional benefits are not payable for weeks more than one year beyond the end of the benefit year of the regular claim. (5) Weeks of supplemental additional benefits may not be paid for weeks that begin after the start of a new extended benefit period, or any totally federally funded benefit program with eligibility criteria and benefits comparable to additional benefits. (6) Weeks of supplemental additional benefits may not be paid for weeks of unemployment beginning after December 31, 1995. (7) The department shall seek federal funding to reimburse the state for the supplemental additional benefits paid under this section. Any federal funds received by the state for reimbursement shall be deposited in the unemployment trust fund solely for the payment of benefits under this title.
RCW 50A.50.170 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 50 / Section 170
RCW 50A.50.170: Fees.
Status: in_force

An individual shall not be charged fees of any kind in any proceeding involving the employee's application for initial determination, or claim for waiting period credit, or claim for benefits, under this title by the commissioner or his or her representatives, or by an appeal tribunal, or any court, or any officer thereof. Any employee in any such proceeding before the commissioner or any appeal tribunal may be represented by counsel or other duly authorized agent who shall neither charge nor receive a fee for such services in excess of an amount found reasonable by the officer conducting such proceeding.
RCW 50.65.901 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 901
RCW 50.65.901: Conflict with federal requirements—1983 1st ex.s. c 50.
Status: in_force

If any part of this act is found to be in conflict with federal requirements which are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, such conflicting part of this act is declared to be inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict, and such finding or determination shall not affect the operation of the remainder of this act. The rules under this act shall meet federal requirements which are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state.
RCW 50B.04.160 — Washington Code / Title 50B / Chapter 04 / Section 160
RCW 50B.04.160: Entitlement not created.
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter creates an entitlement for a person to receive, or requires a state agency to provide, case management services including, but not limited to, case management services under chapter 74.39A RCW.
RCW 50.12.355 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 355
RCW 50.12.355: Report—Unemployment trust fund—Minimum weekly benefit increase—Wages subject to tax.
Status: in_force

(1) By December 1, 2021, and annually thereafter until December 1, 2025, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036 , the department must report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature on the following: (a) Status of the unemployment trust fund, including any federal advances required for trust fund solvency; (b) An analysis of the impact of the minimum weekly benefit amount increase, including comparing wages earned and benefits claimed for those individuals receiving the minimum weekly benefit amount and the average claim duration for those individuals. (2) By December 1, 2021, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036 , the department must report to the governor and the appropriate committees of the legislature a review of the amount of wages subject to tax. This review shall include an analysis of the equitable treatment of employers based on the amount of wages subject to tax, including a comparison of the percentage of wages subject to tax for small, medium, and large businesses and examples of how changes to the amount of wages subject to tax would impact trust fund balances and employer contributions. (3) The department must use an existing unemployment insurance advisory committee comprising of members of business and members of labor to consult in the development of this report, including any evidentiary assumptions underlying the report. The report must be specifically discussed in a minimum of two meetings of the committee each year prior to submitting the report. The report must also include a section for committee members to respond directly to the contents of the report. (4) This section expires January 31, 2026.
RCW 50.24.150 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 24 / Section 150
RCW 50.24.150: Contribution adjustments and refunds.
Status: in_force

No later than three years after the date on which any contributions, interest, or penalties have been paid, an employer who has paid such contributions, interest, or penalties may file with the commissioner a petition in writing for an adjustment thereof in connection with subsequent contribution payments or for a refund thereof when such adjustment cannot be made. If the commissioner upon an ex parte consideration shall determine that such contributions, interest, penalties, or portion thereof were erroneously collected, he or she shall allow such employer to make an adjustment thereof without interest in connection with subsequent contribution payments by him or her, or if such adjustment cannot be made, the commissioner shall refund said amount without interest from the unemployment compensation fund: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That after June 20, 1953, that refunds of interest on delinquent contributions or penalties shall be paid from the administrative contingency fund upon warrants issued by the treasurer under the direction of the commissioner. For like cause and within the same period, adjustment or refund may be made on the commissioner's own initiative. If the commissioner finds that upon ex parte consideration he or she cannot readily determine that such adjustment or refund should be allowed, he or she shall deny such application and notify the employer in writing.
RCW 50.12.245 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 245
RCW 50.12.245: Cooperation with workforce training and education coordinating board.
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall cooperate with the workforce training and education coordinating board in the conduct of the board's responsibilities under RCW 28C.18.060 and shall provide information and data in a format that is accessible to the board.
RCW 50.50.020 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 50 / Section 020
RCW 50.50.020: Benefits—Generally.
Status: in_force

Benefits based on service in employment defined in this chapter are payable in the same amount, on the same terms, and subject to the same conditions as benefits payable on the basis of other service under this title.
RCW 50.29.080 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 29 / Section 080
RCW 50.29.080: Redetermination and correction of employer's contribution rate.
Status: in_force

The commissioner may redetermine any contribution rate if, within three years of the rate computation date he or she finds that the rate as originally computed was erroneous. In the event that the redetermined rate is lower than that originally computed the difference between the amount paid and the amount which should have been paid on the employer's taxable payroll for the rate year involved shall be established as a credit against his or her tax liability; however, if the redetermined rate is higher than that originally computed the difference between the amount paid and the amount which should have been paid on the employer's taxable payroll shall be assessed against the employer as contributions owing for the rate year involved. The redetermination of an employer's contribution rate shall not affect the contribution rates which have been established for any other employer nor shall such redetermination affect any other computation made pursuant to this title. The employer shall have the same rights to request review and redetermination as he or she had from his or her original rate determination.
RCW 50A.45.010 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 45 / Section 010
RCW 50A.45.010: Employer penalties.
Status: in_force

(1) An employer who willfully fails to make the required reports is subject to penalties as follows: (a) For the second occurrence, the penalty is seventy-five dollars; (b) for the third occurrence, the penalty is one hundred fifty dollars; and (c) for the fourth occurrence and for each occurrence thereafter, the penalty is two hundred fifty dollars. (2) An employer who willfully fails to remit the full amount of the premiums when due is liable, in addition to the full amount of premiums due and amounts assessed as interest under RCW 50A.45.025 , to a penalty equal to the premiums and interest. (3) Any penalties under this section shall be deposited into the family and medical leave enforcement account. (4) For the purposes of this section, "willful" means a knowing and intentional action that is neither accidental nor the result of a bona fide dispute. (5) The department shall enforce the collection of penalties through conference and conciliation. (6) These penalties may be appealed as provided in RCW 50A.50.010 through 50A.50.200 .