RCW 50.12.050 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 050
RCW 50.12.050: Reciprocal benefit arrangements.
Status: in_force

As used in this section the terms "other state" and "another state" shall be deemed to include any state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and any foreign government and, where applicable, shall also be deemed to include the federal government or provisions of a law of the federal government, as the case may be. As used in this section the term "claim" shall be deemed to include whichever of the following terms is applicable, to wit: "Application for initial determination", "claim for waiting period credit", or "claim for benefits". The commissioner shall enter into an agreement with any other state whereby in the event an individual files a claim in another state against wages earned in employment in this state, or against wage credits earned in this state and in any other state or who files a claim in this state against wage credits earned in employment in any other state, or against wages earned in this state and in any other state, the claim will be paid by this state or another state as designated by the agreement in accordance with a determination on the claim as provided by the agreement and pursuant to the qualification and disqualification provisions of this title or under the provisions of the law of the designated paying state (including another state) or under such a combination of the provisions of both laws as shall be determined by the commissioner as being fair and reasonable to all affected interests, and whereby the wages of such individual, if earned in two or more states (including another state) may be combined, and further, whereby this state or another state shall reimburse the paying state in an amount which shall bear the same ratio to the amount of benefits already paid as the amount of wage credits transferred by this state or another state, and used in the determination, bear to the total wage credits used in computing the claimant's maximum amount of benefits potentially payable. Whenever any claim is filed by an individual involving the combination of wages or a reciprocal arrangement for the payment of benefits, which is governed by the provisions of this section, the employment security department of this state, when not designated as the paying state, shall promptly make a report to the other state making the determination, showing wages earned in employment in this state. The commissioner is hereby authorized to make to another state and to receive from another state reimbursements from or to the unemployment compensation fund in accordance with arrangements made pursuant to the provisions of this section.
RCW 50A.45.045 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 45 / Section 045
RCW 50A.45.045: Warrant for assessment.
Status: in_force

Whenever any order and notice of assessment or jeopardy assessment has become final in accordance with the provisions of this title the commissioner may file with the clerk of any county within the state a warrant in the amount of the notice of assessment plus interest, penalties, and a filing fee under RCW 36.18.012 (10). The clerk of the county wherein the warrant is filed shall immediately designate a superior court cause number for such warrant, and the clerk shall cause to be entered in the judgment docket under the superior court cause number assigned to the warrant, the name of the employer mentioned in the warrant, the amount of the tax, interest, penalties, and filing fee and the date when such warrant was filed. The aggregate amount of such warrant as docketed shall become a lien upon the title to, and interest in all real and personal property of the employer against whom the warrant is issued, the same as a judgment in a civil case duly docketed in the office of such clerk. Such warrant so docketed shall be sufficient to support the issuance of writs of execution and writs of garnishment in favor of the state in the manner provided by law in the case of civil judgment, wholly or partially unsatisfied. The clerk of the court shall be entitled to a filing fee under RCW 36.18.012 (10), which shall be added to the amount of the warrant, and charged by the commissioner to the employer. A copy of the warrant shall be mailed to the employer using a method by which the mailing can be tracked or the delivery can be confirmed within five days of filing with the clerk.
RCW 50.65.130 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 130
RCW 50.65.130: Federal and private sector funds and grants.
Status: in_force

In addition to any other power, duty, or function described by law or rule, the employment security department, through the program established under this chapter, may accept federal or private sector funds and grants and implement such programs relating to community services or employment programs and may enter into contracts respecting such funds or grants. 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. The Washington service corps shall be the sole recipient of federal funds for youth employment and conservation corps programs.
RCW 50B.04.053 — Washington Code / Title 50B / Chapter 04 / Section 053
RCW 50B.04.053: Employees holding a nonimmigrant visa for temporary workers.
Status: in_force

(1) An employee who holds a nonimmigrant visa for temporary workers, as recognized by federal law, is not subject to the rights and responsibilities of this chapter, unless the employee notifies the employee's employer that the employee would like to participate. (2) If an employee who holds a nonimmigrant visa for temporary workers becomes a permanent resident or citizen employed in Washington, the employee becomes subject to the rights and responsibilities of this chapter. (3) The employment security department may adopt rules necessary to implement this section.
RCW 50A.35.030 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 35 / Section 030
RCW 50A.35.030: Employer supplementation—Rights not subject to waiver or diminishment.
Status: in_force

(1) Nothing in this title shall be construed to discourage employers from: (a) Adopting or retaining leave policies more generous than any policies that comply with the requirements under this title; or (b) Making supplemental benefit payments as provided under RCW 50A.15.060 to an employee on paid family or medical leave. (2) Any agreement by an individual to waive, release, or commute his or her rights under this title is void as against public policy. (3) After January 1, 2020, subject to *RCW 50A.05.090 , an employee's rights under this title may not be diminished by a collective bargaining agreement or employer policy.
RCW 50.12.080 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 080
RCW 50.12.080: Arbitrary reports.
Status: in_force

If any employing unit fails to make or file any report or return required by this title, or any regulation made pursuant hereto, the commissioner may, upon the basis of such knowledge as may be available to him or her, arbitrarily make a report on behalf of such employing unit and the report so made shall be deemed to be prima facie correct. In any action or proceedings brought for the recovery of contributions, interest, or penalties due upon the payroll of an employer, the certificate of the department that an audit has been made of the payroll of such employer pursuant to the direction of the department, or a certificate that a return has been filed by or for an employer or estimated by reason of lack of a return, shall be prima facie evidence of the amount of such payroll for the period stated in the certificate.
RCW 50.04.225 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 225
RCW 50.04.225: Employment—Barber and cosmetology services.
Status: in_force

The term "employment" does not include services performed in a barber shop or cosmetology shop by persons licensed under chapter 18.16 RCW if the person is a booth renter as defined in *RCW 18.16.020 .
RCW 50.65.100 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 100
RCW 50.65.100: Work agreements—Nondiscrimination.
Status: in_force

All parties entering into work agreements under this chapter shall agree that they will not discriminate in the providing of any service on the basis of race, creed, ethnic origin, sex, age, or political affiliation.
RCW 50.75.005 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 75 / Section 005
RCW 50.75.005: Intent.
Status: in_force

The legislature finds that the agricultural industry in the state of Washington employs more than one hundred thousand workers per year and brings more than seven billion dollars of economic activity to our state. This industry and its workers are a vital part of Washington's role in the global economy. The legislature further finds the number of the H-2A temporary agricultural workers coming into the state of Washington to harvest crops has grown by more than one thousand percent since 2007 and the funding provided by the federal government is insufficient to adequately ensure the protection of workers and growers. The legislature also finds the need to ensure this growth does not have an adverse impact on the domestic agricultural labor force. The legislature declares it to be in the public interest to clarify the state's role in the H-2A temporary agricultural program to provide adequate protections for foreign and domestic workers and provide education and outreach opportunities to help growers maintain the stable workforce they need.
RCW 50A.30.045 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 30 / Section 045
RCW 50A.30.045: Voluntary plans—Remaining wage deductions upon withdrawal of plan.
Status: in_force

All deductions from the wages of an employee remaining in the possession of the employer upon the employer's withdrawal of the voluntary plan as a result of plan contributions being in excess of plan costs, that are not disposed of in conformity with the department's rules, must be remitted to the department and deposited in the family and medical leave insurance account.
RCW 50.04.050 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 050
RCW 50.04.050: Calendar quarter.
Status: in_force

"Calendar quarter" means the period of three consecutive calendar months ending on March 31st, June 30th, September 30th, or December 31st.
RCW 50.04.155 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 155
RCW 50.04.155: Service performed in agricultural labor for farm operator or crew leader.
Status: in_force

(1) Service performed in agricultural labor on and after January 1, 1978, for a farm operator or crew leader will be deemed services in employment if the farm operator or crew leader: (a) Paid twenty thousand dollars or more as remuneration to individuals employed in agricultural labor during any calendar quarter in the current or preceding calendar year; or (b) Employed ten or more individuals in agricultural labor for some portion of the day in each of twenty different calendar weeks in either the current or preceding calendar year regardless of whether they were employed at the same moment of time or whether or not the weeks were consecutive. (2) A farm operator is the owner or tenant of the farmlands who stands to gain or lose economically from the operations of the farm. Employment will be considered employment by the farm operator unless it is established to the satisfaction of the commissioner that the services were performed in the employ of a crew leader. The risk of nonpersuasion is upon the farm operator. The operator will nonetheless be liable for contributions under RCW 50.24.130 even though services performed on the operator's farmlands would not be sufficient to bring the services under the term employment if services performed on the operator's land in the employ of a crew leader would be covered and the crew leader has failed to pay contributions on the services. For the purposes of the preceding sentence and RCW 50.24.130 , all moneys paid or payable to the crew leader by the farm operator shall be deemed paid for services unless there is a written contract clearly specifying the amounts of money to be attributed to items other than services of the crew leader or the crew leader's employees. (3) For the purposes of this section, a crew leader is a person who furnishes individuals to perform services in agricultural labor for the benefit of any other person, who pays for the services performed in agricultural labor (either on his or her own behalf or on behalf of the other person), and who has not made a written agreement making himself or herself an employee of the other person: PROVIDED, That no person shall be deemed a crew leader unless he or she is established independently of the person for whom the services are performed and either has a valid certificate of registration under the farm labor contractor registration act of 1963 or substantially all the members of his or her crew operate or maintain tractors, mechanized harvesting or crop dusting equipment, or any other mechanized equipment which is provided by the crew leader.
RCW 50.20.118 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 118
RCW 50.20.118: Unemployment while in approved training.
Status: in_force

(1) For purposes of this section, "adversely affected worker," "approved training," "on-the-job training," and "suitable employment" have the same definition as in 20 C.F.R. Part 618. (2) An adversely affected worker may not be denied benefits because: (a) Such worker is enrolled in or participating in approved training; (b) Such worker refuses work to which the department referred such worker because such work either would require discontinuation of approved training or interfere with successful participation in approved training; (c) Such worker quits work that was not suitable employment and it was reasonable and necessary to quit in order to begin or continue approved training. This includes temporary employment the worker may have engaged in during a break in training; (d) Such worker continues full-time or part-time employment while participating in approved training; or (e) Such worker leaves on-the-job training within the first 30 days because the on-the-job training is not meeting the requirements of section 236(c)(1)(B) of the trade act of 1974, P.L. 96-618, as amended.
RCW 50B.04.063 — Washington Code / Title 50B / Chapter 04 / Section 063
RCW 50B.04.063: Eligible beneficiaries—Supplemental long-term care insurance at time of application—Data sharing.
Status: in_force

(1) When a qualified individual applies for benefits as provided in RCW 50B.04.060 , the department of social and health services must: (a) Ask whether the qualified individual has supplemental long-term care insurance as provided in chapter 48.212 RCW; and (b) request written consent and the policy issuer's contact information from the qualified individual to share information with the policy issuer for any potential care coordination. (2) If the individual provides written consent and the policy issuer's contact information, the department of social and health services must notify the policy issuer that the qualified individual has applied for benefits under this chapter and may share information for any potential care coordination. (3) Only basic demographic information that would allow a person to be identified in the program may be shared if the qualified individual consents to sharing information. No health information or data on claims may be shared.
RCW 50.04.350 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 350
RCW 50.04.350: Wages, remuneration—Excepted payments.
Status: in_force

The term "wages" shall not include the payment by an employing unit (without deduction from the remuneration of the individual in its employ) of the tax imposed upon an individual in employment under section 1400 of the federal internal revenue code, as amended, or any amount paid to a person in the military service for any pay period during which he or she performs no service for the employer: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That prior to January 1, 1952, the term "wages" shall not include dismissal payments which an employing unit is not legally required to make.
RCW 50.24.040 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 24 / Section 040
RCW 50.24.040: Interest on delinquent contributions.
Status: in_force

If contributions are not paid on the date on which they are due and payable as prescribed by the commissioner, the whole or part thereof remaining unpaid shall bear interest at the rate of one percent per month or fraction thereof from and after such date until payment plus accrued interest is received by him or her. The date as of which payment of contributions, if mailed, is deemed to have been received may be determined by such regulations as the commissioner may prescribe. Interest collected pursuant to this section shall be paid into the administrative contingency fund. Interest shall not accrue on contributions from any estate in the hands of a receiver, executor, administrator, trustee in bankruptcy, common law assignee, or other liquidating officer subsequent to the date when such receiver, executor, administrator, trustee in bankruptcy, common law assignee, or other liquidating officer qualifies as such, but contributions accruing with respect to employment of persons by any receiver, executor, administrator, trustee in bankruptcy, common law assignee, or other liquidating officer shall become due and shall draw interest in the same manner as contributions due from other employers. Where adequate information has been furnished the department and the department has failed to act or has advised the employer of no liability or inability to decide the issue, interest may be waived.
RCW 50.20.011 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 011
RCW 50.20.011: Profiling system to identify individuals likely to exhaust benefits—Confidentiality of information—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) The commissioner shall establish and use a profiling system for new claimants for regular compensation under this title that identifies permanently separated workers who are likely to exhaust regular compensation and will need job search assistance services to make a successful transition to new employment. The profiling system shall use a combination of individual characteristics and labor market information to assign each individual a unique probability of benefit exhaustion. Individuals identified as likely to exhaust benefits shall be referred to reemployment services, such as job search assistance services, to the extent such services are available at public expense. (2) The profiling system shall include collection and review of follow-up information relating to the services received by individuals under this section and the employment outcomes for the individuals following receipt of the services. The information shall be used in making profiling identifications. (3) In carrying out reviews of individuals receiving services, the department may contract with public or private entities and may disclose information or records necessary to permit contracting entities to assist in the operation and management of department functions. Any information or records disclosed to public or private entities shall be used solely for the purposes for which the information was disclosed and the entity shall be bound by the same rules of privacy and confidentiality as department employees. The misuse or unauthorized disclosure of information or records deemed private and confidential under chapter 50.13 RCW by any person or organization to which access is permitted by this section shall subject the person or organization to a civil penalty of five thousand dollars and other applicable sanctions under state and federal law. Suit to enforce this section shall be brought by the attorney general and the amount of any penalties collected shall be paid into the employment security department administrative contingency fund. The attorney general may recover reasonable attorneys' fees for any action brought to enforce this section.
RCW 50.40.050 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 40 / Section 050
RCW 50.40.050: Child support obligations.
Status: in_force

(1) An individual filing a new claim for unemployment compensation shall, at the time of filing the claim, disclose whether or not the individual owes child support obligations as defined under subsection (7) of this section. If the individual discloses that he or she owes child support obligations and is determined to be eligible for unemployment compensation, the commissioner shall notify the state or local child support enforcement agency enforcing those obligations that the individual has been determined to be eligible for unemployment compensation. (2) The commissioner shall deduct and withhold from any unemployment compensation payable to an individual who owes child support obligations as defined under subsection (7) of this section: (a) The amount specified by the individual to the commissioner to be deducted and withheld under this subsection, if neither (b) nor (c) of this subsection is applicable; (b) The amount (if any) determined pursuant to an agreement submitted to the commissioner under section 454(20)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act by the state or local child support enforcement agency, unless (c) of this subsection is applicable; or (c) Any amount otherwise required to be so deducted and withheld from such unemployment compensation pursuant to legal process, as that term is defined in section 462(e) of the Social Security Act, properly served upon the commissioner. (3) Any amount deducted and withheld under subsection (2) of this section shall be paid by the commissioner to the appropriate state or local child support enforcement agency. (4) Any amount deducted and withheld under subsection (2) of this section shall be treated for all purposes as if it were paid to the individual as unemployment compensation and paid by that individual to the state or local child support enforcement agency in satisfaction of the individual's child support obligations. (5) For the purposes of this section, "unemployment compensation" means any compensation payable under this chapter including amounts payable by the commissioner under an agreement under any federal law providing for compensation, assistance, or allowances with respect to unemployment. (6) This section applies only if appropriate arrangements have been made for reimbursement by the state or local child support enforcement agency for the administrative costs incurred by the commissioner under this section which are attributable to child support obligations being enforced by the state or local child support enforcement agency. (7) "Child support obligations" as used in this section means only those obligations which are being enforced pursuant to a plan described in section 454 of the Social Security Act which has been approved by the secretary of health and human services under part D of Title IV of the Social Security Act. (8) "State or local child support enforcement agency" as used in this section means any agency of this state or a political subdivision thereof operating pursuant to a plan described in subsection (7) of this section.
RCW 50.32.080 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 32 / Section 080
RCW 50.32.080: Commissioner's review procedure.
Status: in_force

After having acquired jurisdiction for review, the commissioner shall review the proceedings in question. Prior to rendering his or her decision, the commissioner may order the taking of additional evidence by an appeal tribunal to be made a part of the record in the case. Upon the basis of evidence submitted to the appeal tribunal and such additional evidence as the commissioner may order to be taken, the commissioner shall render his or her decision in writing affirming, modifying, or setting aside the decision of the appeal tribunal. Alternatively, the commissioner may order further proceedings to be held before the appeal tribunal, upon completion of which the appeal tribunal shall issue a decision in writing affirming, modifying, or setting aside its previous decision. The new decision may be appealed under RCW 50.32.070 . The commissioner shall mail his or her decision to the interested parties at their last known addresses.
RCW 50.20.120 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 120
RCW 50.20.120: Amount of benefits.
Status: in_force

(1) Benefits shall be payable to any eligible individual during the individual's benefit year in a maximum amount equal to the lesser of twenty-six times the weekly benefit amount, as determined in subsection (2) of this section, or one-third of the individual's base year wages under this title. (2) An individual's weekly benefit amount shall be an amount equal to three and eighty-five one-hundredths percent of the average quarterly wages of the individual's total wages during the two quarters of the individual's base year in which such total wages were highest. (3) The maximum and minimum amounts payable weekly shall be determined as of each June 30th to apply to benefit years beginning in the twelve-month period immediately following such June 30th. (a) The maximum amount payable weekly shall be either four hundred ninety-six dollars or sixty-three percent of the "average weekly wage" for the calendar year preceding such June 30th, whichever is greater. (b)(i) For claims with an effective date of June 30, 2021, or before, the minimum amount payable weekly shall be fifteen percent of the "average weekly wage" for the calendar year preceding such June 30th. (ii) For claims with an effective date of July 1, 2021, or after, the minimum amount payable weekly shall be 20 percent of the "average weekly wage" for the calendar year preceding such June 30th. (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of (a) and (b) of this subsection, an individual may not receive a weekly benefit amount that exceeds the individual's weekly wage. For purposes of this subsection, the "individual's weekly wage" means the individual's annualized total wages divided by 52. For purposes of this subsection, the "individual's annualized total wages" means the average quarterly wages of the individual's total wages during the two quarters of the individual's base year in which such total wages were highest, multiplied by four. This subsection applies to claims with an effective date on or after January 2, 2022, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the department by rule to continue eligibility of claimants in this state for federal unemployment benefits or receipt of federal funds under the coronavirus aid, relief, and economic security act (P.L. 116-136), the continued assistance for unemployed workers act of 2020 (P.L. 116-260), or other act extending such benefits or funds. (4) If any weekly benefit, maximum benefit, or minimum benefit amount computed herein is not a multiple of one dollar, it shall be reduced to the next lower multiple of one dollar.
RCW 50B.04.120 — Washington Code / Title 50B / Chapter 04 / Section 120
RCW 50B.04.120: Appeal of determinations.
Status: in_force

(1) Determinations made by the health care authority or the department of social and health services under this chapter, including determinations regarding functional eligibility or related to registration of long-term services and supports providers, are subject to appeal in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW. In addition, the standards and procedures adopted for these appeals must address the following: (a) Timelines; (b) Eligibility and benefit determination; (c) Judicial review; and (d) Fees. (2) Determinations made by the employment security department under this chapter are subject to appeal in accordance with the appeal procedures under Title 50A RCW. The employment security department shall adopt standards and procedures for appeals for persons aggrieved by any determination or redetermination made by the department. The standards and procedures must be consistent with those adopted for the family and medical leave program under Title 50A RCW and must address topics including: (a) Premium liability; (b) Premium collection; (c) Judicial review; and (d) Fees.
RCW 50A.50.140 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 50 / Section 140
RCW 50A.50.140: Judicial review—Procedure.
Status: in_force

Judicial review of a decision of the commissioner involving the review of a decision of an administrative law judge under this title may be had only in accordance with the procedural requirements of RCW 34.05.452 .
RCW 50.65.280 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 280
RCW 50.65.280: Washington serves—Displacement of current workers prohibited.
Status: in_force

The assignment of volunteers under the Washington serves program shall not result in the displacement of currently employed workers, including partial displacement such as would result from a reduction in hours of nonovertime work, wages, or other employment benefits. Participating agencies, programs, or activities may not terminate, lay off, or reduce the working hours of any employee for the purpose of using volunteers under the Washington serves program. In circumstances where substantial efficiencies or a public purpose may result, participating agencies may use volunteers to carry out essential agency work or contractual functions without displacing current employees.
RCW 50.60.901 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 60 / Section 901
RCW 50.60.901: Rules.
Status: in_force

The department shall adopt such rules as are necessary to carry out the purposes of chapter 207, Laws of 1983.
RCW 50A.15.065 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 15 / Section 065
RCW 50A.15.065: Expiration of leave entitlement.
Status: in_force

(1) The entitlement to family leave benefits for the birth or placement of a child expires at the end of the twelve-month period beginning on the date of such birth or placement. (2) The entitlement to family leave benefits for a family member's serious health condition, or leave for qualifying exigency, expires at the end of the twelve-month period beginning on the date of which the employee filed an application for the benefits. (3) The entitlement to medical leave benefits for the employee's own serious health condition expires at the end of the twelve-month period beginning on the date on which the employee filed an application for medical leave benefits.
RCW 50.20.240 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 240
RCW 50.20.240: Job search monitoring.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) To ensure that following the initial application for benefits, an individual is actively engaged in searching for work, the employment security department shall implement job search monitoring. The employment security department shall contract with employment security agencies in other states to ensure that individuals residing in those states and receiving benefits under this title are actively engaged in searching for work in accordance with the requirements of this section. The employment security department must ensure that individuals are subject to comparable job search monitoring, regardless of whether they reside in Washington or elsewhere. (b) Except for those individuals with employer attachment or union referral, individuals complying with an electrical apprenticeship training program that includes a recognized referral system under apprenticeship program standards approved by the Washington state apprenticeship and training council, individuals who qualify for unemployment compensation under RCW 50.20.050 , as applicable, and individuals in commissioner-approved training, an individual who has received five or more weeks of benefits under this title, regardless of whether the individual resides in Washington or elsewhere, must provide evidence of seeking work, as directed by the commissioner or the commissioner's agents, for each week beyond five in which a claim is filed. The evidence must demonstrate contacts with at least three employers per week, or documented job search activities with the local reemployment center at least three times per week, or as otherwise directed by the employment security department to meet the objective of reemployment in suitable work as described in RCW 50.20.100 . (c) In developing the requirements for job search, the commissioner or the commissioner's agents shall consult with an existing advisory committee having equal representation of employers and workers. (2) An individual who fails to comply fully with the requirements for actively seeking work under RCW 50.20.010 shall lose all benefits for all weeks during which the individual was not in compliance, and the individual shall be liable for repayment of all such benefits under RCW 50.20.190 .
RCW 50.65.010 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 010
RCW 50.65.010: Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

The legislature finds that: (1) The unemployment rate in the state of Washington is the highest since the great depression, with a significantly higher rate among Washington youth. (2) The policy of the state is to conserve and protect its natural and urban resources, scenic beauty, and historical and cultural sites. (3) It is in the public interest to target employment projects to those activities which have the greatest benefit to the local economy. (4) There are many unemployed young adults without hope or opportunities for entrance into the labor force who are unable to afford higher education and who create a serious strain on tax revenues in community services. (5) The severe cutbacks in community and human services funding leave many local community service agencies without the resources to provide necessary services to those in need. (6) The talent and energy of Washington's unemployed young adults are an untapped resource which should be challenged to meet the serious shortage in community services and promote and conserve the valuable resources of the state. Therefore, the legislature finds it necessary and in the public interest to enact the Washington youth employment and conservation act. As part of this chapter, the Washington service corps is established as an operating program of the employment security department. The legislature desires to facilitate the potential of youth to obtain available job opportunities in both public and private agencies.
RCW 50.62.020 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 62 / Section 020
RCW 50.62.020: Definitions.
Status: in_force

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter. (1) "Job service" means the employment assistance program of the employment security department; (2) "Employment assistance" means services to unemployed persons focused on and measured by the obtaining of employment; (3) "Labor exchange" means those activities which match labor supply and labor demand, including recruitment, screening, and referral of qualified workers to employers; (4) "Special account of the administrative contingency fund" means that fund under RCW 50.24.014 established within the administrative contingency fund of the employment security department which provides revenue for the purposes of this chapter. (5) "Continuous wage and benefit history" means an information and research system utilizing a longitudinal database containing information on both employment and unemployment. (6) "Long-term unemployed" means demographic groups of unemployment insurance claimants identified by the employment security department pursuant to RCW 50.62.040 (1)(e) which have the highest percentages of persons who have drawn at least fifteen weeks of unemployment insurance benefits or have the highest percentage of persons who have exhausted their unemployment insurance benefits. (7) "Older unemployed workers" means unemployment insurance claimants who are at least fifty years of age.
RCW 50A.25.030 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 25 / Section 030
RCW 50A.25.030: Commissioner—Rule-making authority.
Status: in_force

The commissioner has the authority to adopt, amend, or rescind rules interpreting and implementing this chapter.
RCW 50.44.050 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 44 / Section 050
RCW 50.44.050: Benefits payable, terms and conditions—"Academic year" defined.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in subsections (1) through (5) of this section, benefits based on services in employment covered by or pursuant to this chapter shall be payable on the same terms and subject to the same conditions as compensation payable on the basis of other service subject to this title. (1) Benefits based on service in an instructional, research, or principal administrative capacity for an educational institution shall not be paid to an individual for any week of unemployment which commences during the period between two successive academic years or between two successive academic terms within an academic year (or, when an agreement provides instead for a similar period between two regular but not successive terms within an academic year, during such period) if such individual performs such services in the first of such academic years or terms and if there is a contract or reasonable assurance that such individual will perform services in any such capacity for an educational institution in the second of such academic years or terms. (2) Benefits shall not be paid based on services in any other capacity for an educational institution for any week of unemployment which commences during the period between two successive academic years or between two successive academic terms within an academic year, if such individual performs such services in the first of such academic years or terms and there is a reasonable assurance that such individual will perform such services in the second of such academic years or terms: PROVIDED, That if benefits are denied to any individual under this subsection and that individual was not offered an opportunity to perform such services for the educational institution for the second of such academic years or terms, the individual is entitled to a retroactive payment of benefits for each week for which the individual filed a timely claim for benefits and for which benefits were denied solely by reason of this subsection. (3) Benefits shall not be paid based on any services described in subsections (1) and (2) of this section for any week of unemployment which commences during an established and customary vacation period or holiday recess if such individual performs such services for an educational institution in the period immediately before such vacation period or holiday recess, and there is a reasonable assurance that such individual will perform such services for an educational institution in the period immediately following such vacation period or holiday recess. (4) Benefits shall not be paid (as specified in subsections (1), (2), or (3) of this section) based on any services described in subsections (1) or (2) of this section to any individual who performed such services in any educational institution while in the employ of an educational service district which is established pursuant to chapter 28A.310 RCW and exists to provide services to local school districts. (5) When an individual performs services for more than one educational institution in an academic year or term, wages earned by the individual from those educational institutions that do not provide a contract or reasonable assurance of employment in the subsequent academic year or term may be used to establish a claim for benefits, even if a contract or reasonable assurance exists for another educational institution. (6) As used in this section, "academic year" means: Fall, winter, spring, and summer quarters or comparable semesters unless, based upon objective criteria including enrollment and staffing, the quarter or comparable semester is not in fact a part of the academic year for the particular institution.
RCW 50B.04.090 — Washington Code / Title 50B / Chapter 04 / Section 090
RCW 50B.04.090: Election of coverage—Self-employed persons.
Status: in_force

(1) Beginning July 1, 2023, any self-employed person, including a sole proprietor, independent contractor, partner, or joint venturer, may elect coverage under this chapter. Coverage must be elected before July 1, 2026, or within three years of becoming self-employed for the first time. Those electing coverage under this subsection are responsible for payment of 100 percent of all premiums assessed to an employee under RCW 50B.04.080 . The self-employed person must file a notice of election in writing with the employment security department, in the manner required by the employment security department in rule. The self-employed person is eligible for benefits after paying the long-term services and supports premium for the time required under RCW 50B.04.050 . (2) A self-employed person who has elected coverage may not withdraw from coverage. (3) A self-employed person who elects coverage must continue to pay premiums until such time that the individual retires from the workforce or is no longer self-employed. To cease premium assessment and collection, the self-employed person must file a notice with the employment security department if the individual retires from the workforce or is no longer self-employed. (4) The employment security department may cancel elective coverage if the self-employed person fails to make required payments or file reports. The employment security department may collect due and unpaid premiums and may levy an additional premium for the remainder of the period of coverage. The cancellation must be effective no later than 30 days from the date of the notice in writing advising the self-employed person of the cancellation. (5) Those electing coverage are considered employers or employees where the context so dictates. (6) For the purposes of this section, "independent contractor" means an individual excluded from the definition of "employment" in RCW 50B.04.010 . (7) The employment security 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 50B.04.080 — Washington Code / Title 50B / Chapter 04 / Section 080
RCW 50B.04.080: Premium assessment—Rate—Collection.
Status: in_force

(1) Unless otherwise exempted pursuant to this chapter, beginning July 1, 2023, the employment security department shall assess for each individual in employment with an employer a premium based on the amount of the individual's wages. The initial premium rate is .58 percent of the individual's wages. Beginning January 1, 2026, and biennially thereafter, the premium rate shall be set by the pension funding council at a rate no greater than .58 percent. In addition, the pension funding council must set the premium rate at the lowest amount necessary to maintain the actuarial solvency of the long-term services and supports trust account created in RCW 50B.04.100 in accordance with recognized insurance principles and designed to attempt to limit fluctuations in the premium rate. To facilitate the premium rate setting the office of the state actuary must perform a biennial actuarial audit and valuation of the fund and make recommendations to the pension funding council. (2)(a) The employer must collect from the employees the premiums provided under this section through payroll deductions and remit the amounts collected to the employment security department. (b) In collecting employee premiums through payroll deductions, the employer shall act as the agent of the employees and shall remit the amounts to the employment security department as required by this chapter. (3) Nothing in this chapter requires any party to a collective bargaining agreement in existence on October 19, 2017, to reopen negotiations of the agreement or to apply any of the responsibilities under this chapter unless and until the existing agreement is reopened or renegotiated by the parties or expires. (4)(a) Premiums shall be collected in the manner and at such intervals as provided in this chapter and directed by the employment security department. (b) To the extent feasible, the employment security department shall use the premium assessment, collection, and reporting procedures in Title 50A RCW. (5) The employment security department shall deposit all premiums collected in this section in the long-term services and supports trust account created in RCW 50B.04.100 . (6) Premiums collected in this section are placed in the trust account for the individuals who become eligible for the program. (7) If the premiums established in this section are increased, the legislature shall notify each qualified individual by mail that the person's premiums have been increased, describe the reason for increasing the premiums, and describe the plan for restoring the funds so that premiums are returned to .58 percent of the individual's wages.
RCW 50.29.062 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 29 / Section 062
RCW 50.29.062: Contribution rates for predecessor and successor employers.
Status: in_force

(1) If the department finds that a significant purpose of the transfer of the business is to obtain a reduced array calculation factor rate, contribution rates shall be computed and penalties and other sanctions shall apply as specified in RCW 50.29.063 . (2) If subsection (1) of this section and RCW 50.29.063 do not apply and if the department finds that an employer is a successor, or partial successor, to a predecessor business, predecessor and successor employer contribution rates shall be computed in the following manner: (a) If the successor is an employer, as defined in RCW 50.04.080 , at the time of the transfer of a business, the following applies: (i) The successor's contribution rate shall remain unchanged for the remainder of the rate year in which the transfer occurs. (ii) Beginning January 1st following the transfer, the successor's contribution rate for each rate year shall be based on a combination of the following: (A) The successor's experience with payrolls and benefits; and (B) Any experience assigned to the predecessor involved in the transfer. If only a portion of the business was transferred, then the experience attributable to the acquired portion is assigned to the successor. (b) If the successor is not an employer at the time of the transfer, the following applies: (i) Except as provided in (b)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection (2), the successor shall pay contributions: (A) At the contribution rate assigned to the predecessor employer at the time of the transfer for the remainder of that rate year. Any experience attributable to the predecessor relating to the assignment of the predecessor's rate class is transferred to the successor. (B) Beginning January 1st following the transfer, the successor's contribution rate for each rate year shall be based on an array calculation factor rate that is a combination of the following: The successor's experience with payrolls and benefits; and any experience assigned to the predecessor involved in the transfer. If only a portion of the business was transferred, then the experience attributable to the acquired portion is assigned to the successor if qualified under RCW 50.29.010 by including the transferred experience. If not qualified under RCW 50.29.010 , the contribution rate shall equal the sum of the rates determined by the commissioner under RCW 50.29.025 (1)(d) and 50.29.041 , if applicable, and continuing until the successor qualifies for a different rate, including the transferred experience. (ii) If there is a substantial continuity of ownership, control, or management by the successor of the business of the predecessor, the successor shall pay contributions at the contribution rate determined for the predecessor employer at the time of the transfer for the remainder of that rate year. Any experience attributable to the predecessor relating to the assignment of the predecessor's rate class is transferred to the successor. Beginning January 1st following the transfer, the successor's array calculation factor rate shall be based on a combination of the transferred experience of the acquired business and the successor's experience after the transfer. (iii) If the successor simultaneously acquires the business or a portion of the business of two or more employers with different contribution rates, the successor's rate, from the date the transfer occurred until the end of that rate year and until it qualifies in its own right for a new rate, shall be the sum of the rates determined by the commissioner under RCW 50.29.025 (1) (a) and (b) and 50.29.041 , applicable at the time of the acquisition, to the predecessor employer who, among the parties to the acquisition, had the largest total payroll in the completed calendar quarter immediately preceding the date of transfer, but not less than the sum of the rates determined by the commissioner under RCW 50.29.025 (1)(d) and 50.29.041 , if applicable. (c) With respect to predecessor employers: (i) The contribution rate on any payroll retained by a predecessor employer shall remain unchanged for the remainder of the rate year in which the transfer occurs. (ii) In all cases, beginning January 1st following the transfer, the predecessor's contribution rate or the predecessor's array calculation factor for each rate year shall be based on its experience with payrolls and benefits as of the regular computation date for that rate year excluding the experience of the transferred business or transferred portion of business as that experience has transferred to the successor: PROVIDED, That if all of the predecessor's business is transferred to a successor or successors, the predecessor shall not be a qualified employer until it satisfies the requirements of a "qualified employer" as set forth in RCW 50.29.010 . (3) A predecessor-successor relationship does not exist for purposes of subsection (2) of this section when a significant purpose of the transfer of a business or its operating assets is for the employer to move or expand an existing business, or for an employer to establish a substantially similar business under common ownership, management, and control. However, if an employer transfers its business to another employer, and both employers are at the time of transfer under substantially common ownership, management, or control, then the unemployment experience attributable to the transferred business shall also be transferred to, and combined with the unemployment experience attributable to, the employer to whom such business is so transferred as specified in subsection (2)(a) of this section. (4) For purposes of this section, "transfer of a business" means the same as RCW 50.29.063 (4)(c).
RCW 50.12.070 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 070
RCW 50.12.070: Employing unit records, reports, and registration—Unified business identifier account number records—Penalty for failure to keep records.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) Each employing unit shall keep true and accurate work records, containing such information as the commissioner may prescribe. Such records shall be open to inspection and be subject to being copied by the commissioner or his or her authorized representatives at any reasonable time and as often as may be necessary. The commissioner may require from any employing unit any sworn or unsworn reports with respect to persons employed by it, which he or she deems necessary for the effective administration of this title. (b) An employer who contracts with another person or entity for work subject to chapter 18.27 or 19.28 RCW shall obtain and preserve a record of the unified business identifier account number for and compensation paid to the person or entity performing the work. In addition to the penalty in subsection (3) of this section, failure to obtain or maintain the record is subject to RCW 39.06.010 . (2)(a)(i) Each employer shall register with the department and obtain an employment security account number. Each employer shall make periodic reports at such intervals as the commissioner may by regulation prescribe, setting forth the remuneration paid for employment to workers in its employ, the full names and social security numbers of all such workers, the standard occupational classification or job title of each worker, and the total hours worked by each worker and such other information as the commissioner may by regulation prescribe. Reporting the standard occupational classification or job title of each worker is optional for employers until October 1, 2022. (ii) A federally recognized tribe may elect to report the standard occupational classifications or job titles of workers. If a federally recognized tribe elects to report standard occupational classifications or job titles, it retains the option to opt out of reporting at any time for any reason it deems necessary. The department shall adopt rules to implement this subsection (2)(a)(ii). (b) If the employing unit fails or has failed to report the number of hours in a reporting period for which a worker worked, such number will be computed by the commissioner and given the same force and effect as if it had been reported by the employing unit. In computing the number of such hours worked, the total wages for the reporting period, as reported by the employing unit, shall be divided by the dollar amount of the state's minimum wage in effect for such reporting period and the quotient, disregarding any remainder, shall be credited to the worker: PROVIDED, That although the computation so made will not be subject to appeal by the employing unit, monetary entitlement may be redetermined upon request if the department is provided with credible evidence of the actual hours worked. Benefits paid using computed hours are not considered an overpayment and are not subject to collections when the correction of computed hours results in an invalid or reduced claim; however: (i) A contribution paying employer who fails to report the number of hours worked will have its experience rating account charged for all benefits paid that are based on hours computed under this subsection; and (ii) An employer who reimburses the trust fund for benefits paid to workers and fails to report the number of hours worked shall reimburse the trust fund for all benefits paid that are based on hours computed under this subsection. (3) Any employer who fails to keep and preserve records required by this section shall be subject to a penalty determined by the commissioner but not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars or two hundred percent of the quarterly tax for each offense, whichever is greater.
RCW 50.20.010 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 010
RCW 50.20.010: Benefit eligibility conditions.
Status: in_force

(1) An unemployed individual shall be eligible to receive waiting period credits or benefits with respect to any week in his or her eligibility period only if the commissioner finds that: (a) The individual has registered for work at, and thereafter has continued to report at, an employment office in accordance with such regulation as the commissioner may prescribe, except that the commissioner may by regulation waive or alter either or both of the requirements of this subdivision as to individuals attached to regular jobs and as to such other types of cases or situations with respect to which the commissioner finds that the compliance with such requirements would be oppressive, or would be inconsistent with the purposes of this title; (b) The individual has filed an application for an initial determination and made a claim for waiting period credit or for benefits in accordance with the provisions of this title; (c) The individual is able to work, and is available for work in any trade, occupation, profession, or business for which the individual is reasonably fitted. (i) To be available for work, an individual must be ready, able, and willing, immediately to accept any suitable work which may be offered to him or her and must be actively seeking work pursuant to customary trade practices and through other methods when so directed by the commissioner or the commissioner's agents. If a labor agreement or dispatch rules apply, customary trade practices must be in accordance with the applicable agreement or rules. (ii) Until June 30, 2021, an individual under quarantine or isolation, as defined by the department of health, as directed by a public health official during the novel coronavirus outbreak pursuant to the gubernatorial declaration of emergency of February 29, 2020, will meet the requirements of this subsection (1)(c) if the individual is able to perform, available to perform, and actively seeking work which can be performed while under quarantine or isolation. (iii) For the purposes of this subsection, "customary trade practices" includes compliance with an electrical apprenticeship training program that includes a recognized referral system under apprenticeship program standards approved by the Washington state apprenticeship and training council; (d) The individual has been unemployed for a waiting period of one week; (e) The individual participates in reemployment services if the individual has been referred to reemployment services pursuant to the profiling system established by the commissioner under RCW 50.20.011 , unless the commissioner determines that: (i) The individual has completed such services; or (ii) There is justifiable cause for the claimant's failure to participate in such services; and (f) As to weeks which fall within an extended benefit period as defined in RCW 50.22.010 , the individual meets the terms and conditions of RCW 50.22.020 with respect to benefits claimed in excess of twenty-six times the individual's weekly benefit amount. (2) An individual's eligibility period for regular benefits shall be coincident to his or her established benefit year. An individual's eligibility period for additional or extended benefits shall be the periods prescribed elsewhere in this title for such benefits. (3)(a) For any weeks of unemployment insurance benefits when the one week waiting period is fully paid or fully reimbursed by the federal government, subsection (1)(d) of this section is waived. (b) For any weeks of unemployment insurance benefits when the one week waiting period is partially paid or partially reimbursed by the federal government, the department may, by rule, elect to waive subsection (1)(d) of this section. (4) During the weeks of a public health emergency, an unemployed individual may also meet the requirements of subsection (1)(c) of this section if: (a) The unemployed individual is able to perform, available to perform, and actively seeking suitable work which can be performed for an employer from the individual's home; and (b) The unemployed individual or another individual residing with the unemployed individual is at higher risk of severe illness or death from the disease that is the subject of the public health emergency because the higher risk individual: (i) Was in an age category that is defined as high risk for the disease that is the subject of the public health emergency by: (A) The federal centers for disease control and prevention; (B) The department of health; or (C) The equivalent agency in the state where the individual resides; or (ii) Has an underlying health condition, verified as required by the department by rule, that is identified as a risk factor for the disease that is the subject of the public health emergency by: (A) The federal centers for disease control and prevention; (B) The department of health; or (C) The equivalent agency in the state where the individual resides. (5)(a) During the weeks of a public health emergency, an unemployed health care worker may also meet the requirements of subsection (1)(c) of this section if the unemployed health care worker described in RCW 50.20.050 (3) and 50.29.021 (1)(c)(iii) is able to perform, available to perform, and actively seeking suitable work which will commence after quarantine or which can be performed for an employer from the individual's home. (b) For purposes of this subsection, "health care worker" means an individual who worked at a health care facility as defined in RCW 9A.50.010 , and was directly involved in the delivery of health services.
RCW 50A.05.020 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 05 / Section 020
RCW 50A.05.020: Program administration—Information disclosure—Outreach.
Status: in_force

(1) The department shall establish and administer the family and medical leave program and pay family and medical leave benefits as specified in this title. The department shall adopt government efficiencies to improve administration and reduce costs. These efficiencies shall include, to the extent feasible, combined reporting and payment, with a single return, of premiums under this title and contributions under chapter 50.24 RCW. (2) The department shall establish procedures and forms for filing applications for benefits under this title. The department shall notify the employer within five business days of an application being filed. (3) The department shall use information sharing and integration technology to facilitate the disclosure of relevant information or records by the department, so long as an employee consents to the disclosure as required under RCW 50A.15.040 . (4) Information contained in the files and records pertaining to an employee under this chapter are confidential and not open to public inspection, other than to public employees in the performance of their official duties, except as provided in chapter 50A.25 RCW. (5) The department shall develop and implement an outreach program to ensure that employees who may be qualified to receive family and medical leave benefits under this title are made aware of these benefits. Outreach information shall explain, in an easy to understand format, eligibility requirements, the application process, weekly benefit amounts, maximum benefits payable, notice and certification requirements, reinstatement and nondiscrimination rights, confidentiality, voluntary plans, and the relationship between employment protection, leave from employment, and wage replacement benefits under this title and other laws, collective bargaining agreements, and employer policies. Outreach information shall be available in English and other primary languages as defined in RCW 74.04.025 . (6) The department is authorized to inspect and audit employer files and records relating to the family and medical leave program, including employer voluntary plans.

PDF RCW 50A.05.020

Program administration — Information disclosure — Outreach. (Effective January 1, 2026.)

(1) The department shall establish and administer the family and medical leave program and pay family and medical leave benefits as specified in this title. The department shall adopt government efficiencies to improve administration and reduce costs. These efficiencies shall include, to the extent feasible, combined reporting and payment, with a single return, of premiums under this title and contributions under chapter 50.24 RCW. (2) The department shall establish procedures and forms for filing applications for benefits under this title. The department shall notify the employer within five business days of an application being filed. (3) The department shall use information sharing and integration technology to facilitate the disclosure of relevant information or records by the department, so long as an employee consents to the disclosure as required under RCW 50A.15.040 . (4) Information contained in the files and records pertaining to an employee under this chapter are confidential and not open to public inspection, other than to public employees in the performance of their official duties, except as provided in chapter 50A.25 RCW. (5) The department shall develop and implement an outreach program to ensure that employees who may be qualified to receive family and medical leave benefits under this title are made aware of these benefits. Outreach information shall explain, in an easy to understand format, eligibility requirements, the application process, weekly benefit amounts, maximum benefits payable, notice and certification requirements, reinstatement and nondiscrimination rights, confidentiality, voluntary plans, and the relationship between employment protection, leave from employment, and wage replacement benefits under this title and other laws, collective bargaining agreements, and employer policies. Outreach information shall be available in English and other primary languages as defined in RCW 74.04.025 . (6)(a) The department shall conduct regular outreach to employers regarding employer responsibilities under this title, which must include but is not limited to providing information on premium collection under chapter 50A.10 RCW, notice requirements under chapter 50A.20 RCW, employment protection under chapter 50A.35 RCW, and the availability of grants to certain employers under RCW 50A.24.010 and 50A.24.030 . (b) The department is authorized to inspect and audit employer files and records relating to the family and medical leave program, including employer voluntary plans. The department may conduct periodic audits of employer files and records for the purposes of assisting with and otherwise enforcing compliance with this title.
RCW 50A.50.180 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 50 / Section 180
RCW 50A.50.180: Attorneys' fees—Court.
Status: in_force

It shall be unlawful for any attorney engaged in any appeal to the courts on behalf of an employee involving the employee's application for initial determination or claim for benefits to charge or receive any fee in excess of a reasonable fee to be fixed by the superior court in respect to the services performed in connection with the appeal taken and to be fixed by the supreme court or the court of appeals in the event of appellate review, and if the decision of the commissioner shall be reversed or modified, such fee and the costs shall be payable out of the family and medical leave enforcement account.
RCW 50A.10.050 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 10 / Section 050
RCW 50A.10.050: Termination or disposal of business—Premium payment—Successor liability.
Status: in_force

Whenever any employer quits business, or sells out, exchanges, or otherwise disposes of the employer's business or stock of goods, any premiums payable under this title shall become immediately due and payable, and the employer shall, within ten days, make a return and pay the premiums due; and any person who becomes a successor to such business shall become liable for the full amount of the premiums and withhold from the purchase price a sum sufficient to pay any premiums due from the employer until such time as the employer produces a receipt from the employment security department showing payment in full of any premiums due or a certificate that no premium is due and, if such premium is not paid by the employer within ten days from the date of such sale, exchange, or disposal, the successor shall become liable for the payment of the full amount of premiums, and the payment thereof by such successor shall, to the extent thereof, be deemed a payment upon the purchase price, and if such payment is greater in amount than the purchase price the amount of the difference shall become a debt due such successor from the employer. A successor may not be liable for any premiums due from the person from whom that person has acquired a business or stock of goods if that person gives written notice to the employment security department of such acquisition and no assessment is issued by the department within one hundred eighty days of receipt of such notice against the former operator of the business and a copy thereof mailed to such successor.
RCW 50.01.010 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 01 / Section 010
RCW 50.01.010: Preamble.
Status: in_force

Whereas, economic insecurity due to unemployment is a serious menace to the health, morals, and welfare of the people of this state; involuntary unemployment is, therefore, a subject of general interest and concern which requires appropriate action by the legislature to prevent its spread and to lighten its burden which now so often falls with crushing force upon the unemployed worker and his or her family. Social security requires protection against this greatest hazard of our economic life. This can be provided only by application of the insurance principle of sharing the risks, and by the systematic accumulation of funds during periods of employment to provide benefits for periods of unemployment, thus maintaining purchasing powers and limiting the serious social consequences of relief assistance. The state of Washington, therefore, exercising herein its police and sovereign power endeavors by this title to remedy any widespread unemployment situation which may occur and to set up safeguards to prevent its recurrence in the years to come. The legislature, therefore, declares that in its considered judgment the public good, and the general welfare of the citizens of this state require the enactment of this measure, under the police powers of the state, for the compulsory setting aside of unemployment reserves to be used for the benefit of persons unemployed through no fault of their own, and that this title shall be liberally construed for the purpose of reducing involuntary unemployment and the suffering caused thereby to the minimum.
RCW 50A.05.125 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 05 / Section 125
RCW 50A.05.125: Continuity with prior law.
Status: in_force

(1) The provisions of chapter 49.78 RCW as they existed prior to January 1, 2020, apply to employee and employer conduct, acts, or omissions occurring on or before December 31, 2019, including but not limited to the enforcement provisions set forth in RCW 49.78.330 as they existed prior to January 1, 2020. Accordingly, a cause of action for conduct, acts, or omissions occurring on or before December 31, 2019, under chapter 49.78 RCW remains available within its applicable statute of limitations. As an exercise of the state's police powers and for remedial purposes, this subsection applies retroactively to claims based on conduct, acts, or omissions that occurred on or before December 31, 2019. (2) The provisions of this title apply to employee and employer conduct, acts, or omissions occurring on or after January 1, 2020, including but not limited to the enforcement provisions set forth in RCW 50A.40.040 .
RCW 50.04.299 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 299
RCW 50.04.299: Public health emergency.
Status: in_force

"Public health emergency" means a declaration or order that covers the jurisdiction where the unemployed individual was working on the date the individual became unemployed concerning any dangerous, contagious, or infectious diseases, including a pandemic, and is issued as follows: (1) The president of the United States has declared a national or regional emergency; (2) The governor of Washington declared a state of emergency under RCW 43.06.010 (12); or (3) The governor or state executive of another state where the unemployed individual was working at the time of the declaration declared a state of emergency.
RCW 50.32.100 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 32 / Section 100
RCW 50.32.100: Costs.
Status: in_force

In all proceedings provided by this title prior to court review involving dispute of an individual's initial determination, or claim for waiting period credit, or for benefits, the fees of all witnesses attending such proceedings pursuant to subpoena shall be paid at the rate fixed by such regulation as the commissioner shall prescribe and such fees and all costs of such proceedings otherwise chargeable to such individual, except charges for services rendered by counsel or other agent representing such individual, shall be paid out of the unemployment compensation administration fund. In all other respects and in all other proceedings under this title the rule in civil cases as to costs and attorney fees shall apply: PROVIDED, That cost bills may be served and filed and costs shall be taxed in accordance with such regulation as the commissioner shall prescribe.
RCW 50.38.901 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 38 / Section 901
RCW 50.38.901: Conflict with federal requirements—1993 c 62.
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 or the eligibility of employers in this state for federal unemployment tax credits, the conflicting part of this act is hereby 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 or the granting of federal unemployment tax credits to employers in this state.
RCW 50.65.110 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 110
RCW 50.65.110: Enrollees—Training and subsistence allowance—Medical insurance and medical aid—Notice of coverage.
Status: in_force

The compensation received shall be considered a training and subsistence allowance. Comprehensive medical insurance, and medical aid shall be paid for the enrollees in the service corps by the commissioner in accordance with the standards and limitations of the appropriation provided for this chapter. The department shall give notice of coverage to the director of labor and industries after enrollment. The department shall not be deemed an employer of an enrollee for any other purpose. Other provisions of law relating to civil service, hours of work, rate of compensation, sick leave, unemployment compensation, old age health and survivor's insurance, state retirement plans, and vacation leave do not apply to enrollees.
RCW 50.29.064 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 29 / Section 064
RCW 50.29.064: Rules to implement 2006 c 47.
Status: in_force

The commissioner of the employment security department may adopt rules necessary to implement chapter 47, Laws of 2006.
RCW 50.38.015 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 38 / Section 015
RCW 50.38.015: Definitions.
Status: in_force

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter. (1) "Labor market information" means the body of information generated from measurement and evaluation of the socioeconomic factors and variables influencing the employment process in the state and specific labor market areas. These socioeconomic factors and variables affect labor demand and supply relationships and include: (a) Labor force information, which includes but is not limited to employment, unemployment, labor force participation, labor turnover and mobility, average hours and earnings, and changes and characteristics of the population and labor force within specific labor market areas and the state; (b) Occupational information, which includes but is not limited to occupational supply and demand estimates and projections, characteristics of occupations, wage levels, job duties, training and education requirements, conditions of employment, unionization, retirement practices, and training opportunities; (c) Economic information, which includes but is not limited to number of business starts and stops by industry and labor market area, information on employment growth and decline by industry and labor market area, employer establishment data, and number of labor-management disputes by industry and labor market area; and (d) Program information, which includes but is not limited to program participant or student information gathered in cooperation with other state and local agencies along with related labor market information to evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of state and local employment, training, education, and job creation efforts in support of planning, management, implementation, and evaluation. (2) "Labor market area" means an economically integrated geographic area within which individuals can reside and find employment within a reasonable distance or can readily change employment without changing their place of residence. Such areas shall be identified in accordance with criteria used by the bureau of labor statistics of the department of labor in defining such areas or similar criteria established by the governor. The area generally takes the name of its community. The boundaries depend primarily on economic and geographic factors. Washington state is divided into labor market areas, which usually include a county or a group of contiguous counties. (3) "Labor market analysis" means the measurement and evaluation of economic forces as they relate to the employment process in the local labor market area. Variables affecting labor market relationships include, but are not limited to, such factors as labor force changes and characteristics, population changes and characteristics, industrial structure and development, technological developments, shifts in consumer demand, volume and extent of unionization and trade disputes, recruitment practices, wage levels, conditions of employment, and training opportunities. (4) "Public records" has the same meaning as set forth in RCW 42.56.010 . (5) "Department" means the employment security department.
RCW 50.65.138 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 138
RCW 50.65.138: Use of funds for enrollees and projects in distressed areas—Service corps.
Status: in_force

Sixty percent of the general funds available to the service corps program shall be for enrollees from distressed areas and for projects in distressed areas. A distressed area shall mean: (1) A county which has an unemployment rate which is twenty percent above the state average for the immediately preceding three years; (2) A community which has experienced sudden and severe loss of employment; or (3) An area within a county which area: (a) Is composed of contiguous census tracts; (b) Has a minimum population of five thousand persons; (c) The median household income is at least thirty-five percent below the county's median household income, as determined from data collected for the preceding United States ten-year census; and (d) Has an unemployment rate which is at least forty percent higher than the county's unemployment rate. For purposes of this definition, "families and unrelated individuals" has the same meaning that is ascribed to that term by the federal department of housing and urban development in its regulations authorizing action grants for economic development and neighborhood revitalization projects.
RCW 50.75.040 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 75 / Section 040
RCW 50.75.040: Advisory committee—Composition—Report to governor and legislature.
Status: in_force

(1) The commissioner shall appoint an advisory committee to review issues and topics of interest related to this chapter. (2)(a) The committee is composed of eight voting members: (i) Four voting members representing agricultural workers' interests: One of whom shall be a farmworker; and all of whom shall be appointed from a list of at least four names submitted by a recognized statewide organization of workers; (ii) Four voting members representing agricultural employers: One of whom shall be an agricultural employer; and all of whom shall be appointed from a list of at least four names submitted by a recognized statewide organization of agricultural employers; and (iii) One ex officio member, without a vote, shall represent the department and serve as the chair. (b) The department of labor and industries, department of health, and department of agriculture shall each have one nonvoting ex officio member serve on the advisory committee. (3) On issues and topics of interest related to this chapter, the committee shall provide comment on department rule making, policies, implementation of this chapter, and initiatives, and study issues the committee determines require consideration. (4) In even years, the committee shall submit a report to the governor and the legislature by October 31st that: (a) Identifies and recommends approaches to increase the effectiveness of the employment security department's recruitment process as part of the H-2A application. If deemed advisable by the committee, the report may include recommended changes to state law that would lead to increased recruitment and hiring of domestic workers in agricultural employment in Washington; and (b) Analyzes the costs incurred by the office to administer the H-2A program, the funds to administer other department programs for farmworkers, and the amount of funds allocated by the federal government to administer the H-2A program and all other agricultural programs within the department. (5) The committee members shall serve without compensation, but are entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 . The committee may utilize department personnel and facilities as it needs, without charge.
RCW 50.24.080 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 24 / Section 080
RCW 50.24.080: Jeopardy assessment.
Status: in_force

If the commissioner shall have reason to believe that an employer is insolvent or if any reason exists why the collection of any contributions accrued will be jeopardized by delaying collection, he or she may make an immediate assessment thereof and may proceed to enforce collection immediately, but interest and penalties shall not begin to accrue upon any contributions until the date when such contributions would normally have become delinquent.
RCW 50A.50.080 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 50 / Section 080
RCW 50A.50.080: Commissioner review—Initiation.
Status: in_force

Within thirty days from the date of notification or mailing, whichever is the earlier, of any decision of an administrative law judge, the commissioner on the commissioner's own order may, or upon petition of any interested party shall, take jurisdiction of the proceedings for the purpose of review. Appeal from any decision of an administrative law judge may be perfected so as to prevent finality of such decision if, within thirty days from the date of notification or mailing of the decision, 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 rule shall prescribe. The commissioner may also prevent finality of any decision of an administrative law judge and take jurisdiction of the proceedings for his or her review 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 for receipt of a petition for review. The time limit provided for the commissioner's assumption of jurisdiction on his or her own motion for review shall be deemed to be jurisdictional.
RCW 50.44.035 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 44 / Section 035
RCW 50.44.035: Local government tax.
Status: in_force

(1) Any county, city, or town not electing to make payments in lieu of contributions shall pay a "local government tax." Taxes paid under this section shall be paid into an administratively identifiable account in the unemployment compensation fund. This account shall be self-sustaining. For calendar years 1978 and 1979 all such employers shall pay local government tax at the rate of one and one-quarter percent of all remuneration paid by the governmental unit for services in its employment. For each year after 1979 each such employer's rate of tax shall be determined in accordance with this section: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That whenever it appears to the commissioner that the anticipated benefit payments from the account would jeopardize reasonable reserves in this identifiable account the commissioner may at the commencement of any calendar quarter, impose an emergency excess tax of not more than one percent of remuneration paid by the participating governmental units which "excess tax" shall be paid in addition to the applicable rate computed pursuant to this section until the calendar year following the next September 1st. (2) A reserve account shall be established for each such employer. (a) The "reserve account" of each such employer shall be credited with tax amounts paid and shall be charged with benefit amounts charged in accordance with the formula set forth in RCW 50.44.060 as now or hereafter amended except that such employer's account shall be charged for the full amount of extended benefits so attributable for weeks of unemployment commencing after January 1, 1979. Such credits and charges shall be cumulative from January 1, 1978. (b) After the cut-off date, the "reserve ratio" of each such employer shall be computed by dividing its reserve account balance as of the computation date by the total remuneration paid during the preceding calendar year for services in its employment. This division shall be carried to four decimal places, with the remaining fraction, if any, disregarded. (3) A "benefit cost ratio" for each such employer shall be computed by dividing its total benefit charges during the thirty-six months ending on June 30th by its total remuneration during the three preceding calendar years: PROVIDED, That after August 31st in 1979 each employer's total benefit charges for the twelve months ending on June 30th shall be divided by its total remuneration paid in the last three quarters of calendar year 1978; and after August 31st in 1980 each employer's total benefit charges for the twenty-four months ending June 30th shall be divided by its total remuneration paid in the last three calendar quarters of 1978 and the four calendar quarters of 1979. Such computations shall be carried to four decimal places, with the remaining fraction, if any, disregarded. (4) For each such employer its benefit cost ratio shall be subtracted from its reserve ratio. One-third of the resulting amount shall be subtracted from its benefit cost ratio. The resulting figure, expressed as a percentage and rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, shall become its local government tax rate for the following rate year. For the rate year 1980 no tax rate shall be less than 0.6 percent nor more than 2.2 percent. For 1981 no tax rate shall be less than 0.4 percent nor more than 2.6 percent. For years after 1981 no tax rate shall be less than 0.2 percent or more than 3.0 percent. No individual rate shall be increased any more than 1.0 percent from one rate year to the next. (5) Any county, city, or town electing participation under this section at any time after December 15, 1977, shall be assigned a tax rate of one and one-quarter percent of total remuneration for the first eight quarters of the participation. (6) "Local government tax" shall be deemed to be "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 and the rules enacted pursuant thereto dealing with assessments, interest, penalties, liens, collection procedures and remedies, administrative and judicial review, and the imposition of administrative, civil, and criminal sanctions.
RCW 50.12.190 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 190
RCW 50.12.190: Employment stabilization.
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall take all appropriate steps to reduce and prevent unemployment; to encourage and assist in the adoption of practical methods of vocational training, retraining and vocational guidance; to investigate, recommend, advise, and assist in the establishment and operation by municipalities, counties, school districts, and the state, of reserves for public works to be used in times of business depression and unemployment; to promote the reemployment of unemployed workers throughout the state in every other way that may be feasible; and to these ends to carry and publish the results of investigations and research studies.
RCW 50A.45.070 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 45 / Section 070
RCW 50A.45.070: Compromise of claims.
Status: in_force

The commissioner may compromise any claim for premiums, interest, or penalties due and owing from an employer, and any amount owed by an individual because of benefit overpayments existing or arising under this title in any case where collection of the full amount due and owing, whether reduced to judgment or otherwise, would be against equity and good conscience. Whenever a compromise is made by the commissioner in the case of a claim for premiums, interest, or penalties, whether reduced to judgment or otherwise, there shall be placed on file in the department a statement of the amount of premiums, interest, and penalties imposed by law and claimed due, attorneys' fees and costs, if any, a complete record of the compromise agreement, and the amount actually paid in accordance with the terms of the compromise agreement. Whenever a compromise is made by the commissioner in the case of a claim of a benefit overpayment, whether reduced to judgment or otherwise, there shall be placed on file in the department a statement of the amount of the benefit overpayment, attorneys' fees and costs, if any, a complete record of the compromise agreement, and the amount actually paid in accordance with the terms of the compromise agreement. If any such compromise is accepted by the commissioner, within such time as may be stated in the compromise or agreed to, such compromise shall be final and conclusive and except upon showing of fraud or malfeasance or misrepresentation of a material fact the case shall not be reopened as to the matters agreed upon. In any suit, action, or proceeding, such agreement or any determination, collection, payment, adjustment, refund, or credit made in accordance therewith shall not be annulled, modified, set aside, or disregarded.
RCW 50.24.220 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 24 / Section 220
RCW 50.24.220: Client employer liability—Collection.
Status: in_force

(1) The client employer of a professional employer organization is liable for the payment of any taxes, interest, or penalties due. (2) The professional employer organization may collect and pay taxes due to the department for unemployment insurance coverage from its client employers in accordance with its professional employer agreement. If such payments have been made to the professional employer organization by the client employer, the department shall first attempt to collect the contributions due from the professional employer organization. (3) To collect any contributions, penalties, or interest due to the department from the professional employer organization, the department must follow the procedures contained in chapter 50.24 RCW. If the amount of contributions, interest, or penalties assessed by the commissioner pursuant to chapter 50.24 RCW is not paid by the professional employer organization within ten days, then the commissioner may follow the collection procedures in chapter 50.24 RCW. After the ten-day period, if the professional employer organization has not paid the total amount owing, the commissioner may also pursue the client employer to collect what is owed using the procedures contained in chapter 50.24 RCW.
RCW 50.50.902 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 50 / Section 902
RCW 50.50.902: Effective date—2001 1st sp.s. c 11.
Status: in_force

This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [June 11, 2001].
RCW 50.24.190 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 24 / Section 190
RCW 50.24.190: Limitation of actions.
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall commence action for the collection of contributions, interest, penalties, and benefit overpayments imposed by this title by assessment or suit within three years after a return is filed or notice of benefit overpayment is served. No proceedings for the collection of such amounts shall be begun after the expiration of such period. In case of a false or fraudulent return with intent to evade contributions, interest, or penalties, or in the event of a failure to file a return, the contributions, interest, and penalties may be assessed or a proceeding in court for the collection thereof may be begun at any time.
RCW 50.29.065 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 29 / Section 065
RCW 50.29.065: Notice of benefits paid and charged to employer's account.
Status: in_force

Within thirty days after the end of every calendar quarter, the commissioner shall notify each employer of the benefits received during that quarter by each claimant for whom he or she is the base year employer and the amount of those benefits charged to his or her experience rating account.
RCW 50B.04.170 — Washington Code / Title 50B / Chapter 04 / Section 170
RCW 50B.04.170: Confidentiality of information and records.
Status: in_force

(1) Any information or records concerning an individual or employer obtained by the employment security department for the purposes of collecting and assessing employee premiums under RCW 50B.04.080 and determining qualified individuals under RCW 50B.04.050 will be considered private and confidential in the same manner provided in chapter 50A.25 RCW. (2) This section does not create a rule of evidence.
RCW 50A.15.020 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 15 / Section 020
RCW 50A.15.020: Benefit—Amount and duration.
Status: in_force

(1) Beginning January 1, 2020, family and medical leave are available and benefits are payable to a qualified employee under this section. (a) Following a waiting period consisting of the first seven consecutive calendar days, benefits are payable when family or medical leave is required. However, no waiting period is required for leave for the birth or placement of a child, or for leave because of any qualifying exigency as defined under RCW 50A.05.010 (10)(c). The waiting period begins the previous Sunday of the week when an otherwise eligible employee takes leave for the minimum claim duration under subsection (2)(c) of this section. Eligible employees may satisfy the waiting period requirement while simultaneously receiving paid time off for any part of the waiting period. (b) Benefits may continue during the continuance of the need for family or medical leave, subject to the maximum and minimum weekly benefits, duration, and other conditions and limitations established in this title. (2) The weekly benefit shall be prorated by the percentage of hours on leave compared to the number of hours provided as the typical workweek hours as defined in RCW 50A.05.010 . (a) The benefits in this section, if not a multiple of one dollar, shall be reduced to the next lower multiple of one dollar. (b) Hours on leave claimed for benefits under this title, if not a multiple of one hour, shall be reduced to the next lower multiple of one hour. (c) The minimum claim duration payment is for eight consecutive hours of leave. (3)(a) The maximum duration of paid family leave may not exceed twelve times the typical workweek hours during a period of fifty-two consecutive calendar weeks. (b) The maximum duration of paid medical leave may not exceed twelve times the typical workweek hours during a period of fifty-two consecutive calendar weeks. This leave may be extended an additional two times the typical workweek hours if the employee experiences a serious health condition with a pregnancy that results in incapacity. (c) An employee is not entitled to paid family and medical leave benefits under this title that exceeds a combined total of sixteen times the typical workweek hours. The combined total of family and medical leave may be extended to eighteen times the typical workweek hours if the employee experiences a serious health condition with a pregnancy that results in incapacity. (4)(a) Any paid leave benefits under this chapter used in the postnatal period by an employee eligible for benefits under RCW 50A.05.010 (23)(a)(ii)(B) must be medical leave, subject to the maximum and minimum weekly benefits, duration, and other conditions and limitations established in this title, unless the employee chooses to use family leave during the postnatal period. (b) Certification of a serious health condition is not required for paid leave benefits used in the postnatal period by an employee eligible for benefits under RCW 50A.05.010 (23)(a)(ii)(B). (5) The weekly benefit for family and medical leave shall be determined as follows: If the employee's average weekly wage is: (a) Equal to or less than one-half of the state average weekly wage, then the benefit amount is equal to ninety percent of the employee's average weekly wage; or (b) greater than one-half of the state average weekly wage, then the benefit amount is the sum of: (i) Ninety percent of one-half of the state average weekly wage; and (ii) fifty percent of the difference of the employee's average weekly wage and one-half of the state average weekly wage. (6)(a) The maximum weekly benefit for family and medical leave that occurs on or after January 1, 2020, shall be one thousand dollars. By September 30, 2020, and by each subsequent September 30th, the commissioner shall adjust the maximum weekly benefit amount to ninety percent of the state average weekly wage. The adjusted maximum weekly benefit amount takes effect on the following January 1st. (b) The minimum weekly benefit shall not be less than one hundred dollars per week except that if the employee's average weekly wage at the time of family or medical leave is less than one hundred dollars per week, the weekly benefit shall be the employee's full wage.

PDF RCW 50A.15.020

Benefit — Amount and duration. (Effective January 1, 2026.)

(1) Beginning January 1, 2020, family and medical leave are available and benefits are payable to a qualified employee under this section. (a) Following a waiting period consisting of the first seven consecutive calendar days, benefits are payable when family or medical leave is required. However, no waiting period is required for leave for the birth or placement of a child, or for leave because of any qualifying exigency as defined under RCW 50A.05.010 (10)(c). The waiting period begins the previous Sunday of the week when an otherwise eligible employee takes leave for the minimum claim duration under subsection (2)(c) of this section. Eligible employees may satisfy the waiting period requirement while simultaneously receiving paid time off for any part of the waiting period. (b) Benefits may continue during the continuance of the need for family or medical leave, subject to the maximum and minimum weekly benefits, duration, and other conditions and limitations established in this title. (2) The weekly benefit shall be prorated by the percentage of hours on leave compared to the number of hours provided as the typical workweek hours as defined in RCW 50A.05.010 . (a) The benefits in this section, if not a multiple of one dollar, shall be reduced to the next lower multiple of one dollar. (b) Hours on leave claimed for benefits under this title, if not a multiple of one hour, shall be reduced to the next lower multiple of one hour. (c) The minimum claim duration payment is for four consecutive hours of leave. (3)(a) The maximum duration of paid family leave may not exceed 12 times the typical workweek hours during a period of 52 consecutive calendar weeks. (b) The maximum duration of paid medical leave may not exceed 12 times the typical workweek hours during a period of 52 consecutive calendar weeks. This leave may be extended an additional two times the typical workweek hours if the employee experiences a serious health condition with a pregnancy that results in incapacity. (c) An employee is not entitled to paid family and medical leave benefits under this title that exceeds a combined total of 16 times the typical workweek hours. The combined total of family and medical leave may be extended to 18 times the typical workweek hours if the employee experiences a serious health condition with a pregnancy that results in incapacity. (4)(a) Any paid leave benefits under this chapter used in the postnatal period by an employee eligible for benefits under RCW 50A.05.010 (23)(a)(ii)(B) must be medical leave, subject to the maximum and minimum weekly benefits, duration, and other conditions and limitations established in this title, unless the employee chooses to use family leave during the postnatal period. (b) Certification of a serious health condition is not required for paid leave benefits used in the postnatal period by an employee eligible for benefits under RCW 50A.05.010 (23)(a)(ii)(B). (5) The weekly benefit for family and medical leave shall be determined as follows: If the employee's average weekly wage is: (a) Equal to or less than one-half of the state average weekly wage, then the benefit amount is equal to 90 percent of the employee's average weekly wage; or (b) greater than one-half of the state average weekly wage, then the benefit amount is the sum of: (i) Ninety percent of one-half of the state average weekly wage; and (ii) 50 percent of the difference of the employee's average weekly wage and one-half of the state average weekly wage. (6)(a) The maximum weekly benefit for family and medical leave that occurs on or after January 1, 2020, shall be $1,000. By September 30, 2020, and by each subsequent September 30th, the commissioner shall adjust the maximum weekly benefit amount to 90 percent of the state average weekly wage. The adjusted maximum weekly benefit amount takes effect on the following January 1st. (b) The minimum weekly benefit shall not be less than $100 per week except that if the employee's average weekly wage at the time of family or medical leave is less than $100 per week, the weekly benefit shall be the employee's full wage.
RCW 50A.40.010 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 40 / Section 010
RCW 50A.40.010: Employers.
Status: in_force

(1) It is unlawful for any employer to: (a) Interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of, or the attempt to exercise, any valid right provided under this title; or (b) Discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any employee for opposing any practice made unlawful by this title. (2) It is unlawful for any person to discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any employee because the employee has: (a) Filed any complaint, or has instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding, under or related to this title; (b) Given, or is about to give, any information in connection with any inquiry or proceeding relating to any right provided under this title; or (c) Testified, or is about to testify, in any inquiry or proceeding relating to any right provided under this title. (3) As provided in RCW 50A.40.020 and 50A.40.030 , the department will investigate allegations of unlawful acts and determine damages, as necessary.
RCW 50.04.120 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 120
RCW 50.04.120: Employment—Localized service.
Status: in_force

Service shall be deemed to be localized within a state, if (1) the service is performed entirely within the state; or (2) the service is performed both within and without the state, but the service performed without the state is incidental to the individual's service within the state; for example, is temporary or transitory in nature or consists of isolated transactions.
RCW 50.65.310 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 310
RCW 50.65.310: Washington serves—Volunteers—Subsequent development of skills and experience—Recognition.
Status: in_force

The commissioner or the commissioner's designee may provide or arrange for educational, vocational, or job counseling for program volunteers at the end of their period of service to (1) encourage volunteers to use the skills and experience which they have derived from their training and service, and (2) promote the development of appropriate opportunities for the use of such skills and experience, and the placement therein of such volunteers. The commissioner or the commissioner's designee may also assist volunteers in developing a plan for gainful employment. The commissioner shall provide for an appropriate means of recognition or certification of volunteer service.
RCW 50A.50.050 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 50 / Section 050
RCW 50A.50.050: Assessments—Procedure.
Status: in_force

In any proceeding before an administrative law judge involving an appeal from a disputed order and notice of assessment or a disputed denial of refund or adjustment, the administrative law judge, after affording the parties a reasonable opportunity for hearing, shall affirm, modify, or set aside the notice of assessment or denial of refund. The parties shall be duly notified of such decision together with the reasons, which shall be deemed to be the final decision unless within thirty days after the date of notification or mailing, whichever is the earlier, of such decision, further appeal is perfected pursuant to the provisions of this title relating to review by the commissioner.
RCW 50.04.090 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 090
RCW 50.04.090: Employing unit.
Status: in_force

"Employing unit" means any individual or any type of organization, including any partnership, association, trust, estate, joint stock company, insurance company, or corporation, whether domestic or foreign, or the receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, trustee or successor thereof, or the legal representative of a deceased person, which has or subsequent to January 1, 1937, had in its employ or in its "employment" one or more individuals performing services within this state. The state and its political subdivisions shall be deemed employing units as to any transactions occurring on or after September 21, 1977, which would render an employing unit liable for contributions, interest, or penalties under RCW 50.24.130 . "Employing unit" includes Indian tribes as defined in RCW 50.50.010 .
RCW 50.20.150 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 150
RCW 50.20.150: Notice of application or claim.
Status: in_force

The applicant for initial determination, his or her most recent employing unit as stated by the applicant, and any other interested party which the commissioner by regulation prescribes, shall, if not previously notified within the same continuous period of unemployment, be given notice promptly in writing that an application for initial determination has been filed and such notice shall contain the reasons given by the applicant for his or her last separation from work. If, during his or her benefit year, the applicant becomes unemployed after having accepted subsequent work, and reports for the purpose of reestablishing his or her eligibility for benefits, a similar notice shall be given promptly to his or her then most recent employing unit as stated by him or her, or to any other interested party which the commissioner by regulation prescribes. Each base year employer shall be promptly notified of the filing of any application for initial determination which may result in a charge to his or her account.
RCW 50.04.150 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 150
RCW 50.04.150: Employment—Agricultural labor.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in RCW 50.04.155 , the term "employment" shall not include service performed in agricultural labor by individuals who are enrolled as students and regularly attending classes, or are between two successive academic years or terms, at an elementary school, a secondary school, or an institution of higher education as defined in RCW 50.44.037 and in the case of corporate farms not covered under RCW 50.04.155 , the provisions regarding family employment in RCW 50.04.180 shall apply. Agricultural labor is defined as services performed: (1) On a farm, in the employ of any person, in connection with the cultivation of the soil, or in connection with raising or harvesting any agricultural or horticultural commodity, including raising, shearing, feeding, caring for, training, and management of livestock, bees, poultry, and furbearing animals and wild life, or in the employ of the owner or tenant or other operator of a farm in connection with the operation, management, conservation, improvement, or maintenance of such farm and its tools and equipment; or (2) In packing, packaging, grading, storing, or delivering to storage, or to market or to a carrier for transportation to market, any agricultural or horticultural commodity; but only if such service is performed as an incident to ordinary farming operations. The exclusions from the term "employment" provided in this paragraph shall not be deemed to be applicable with respect to commercial packing houses, commercial storage establishments, commercial canning, commercial freezing, or any other commercial processing or with respect to services performed in connection with the cultivation, raising, harvesting and processing of oysters or raising and harvesting of mushrooms or in connection with any agricultural or horticultural commodity after its delivery to a terminal market for distribution for consumption.
RCW 50.12.150 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 150
RCW 50.12.150: Representation by attorney general.
Status: in_force

The attorney general shall be the general counsel of each and all divisions and departments under this title and it shall be his or her duty to institute and prosecute all actions and proceedings which may be necessary in the enforcement and carrying out of each, every, and all of the provisions of this title, and it shall be the duty of the attorney general to assign such assistants and attorneys as may be necessary to the exclusive duty of assisting each, every, and all divisions and departments created under this title in the enforcement of this title. The salaries of such assistants shall be paid out of the unemployment compensation administration fund, together with their expenses fixed by the attorney general and allowed by the treasurer of the unemployment compensation administration fund when approved upon vouchers by the attorney general.
RCW 50A.50.060 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 50 / Section 060
RCW 50A.50.060: Benefits—Procedure.
Status: in_force

(1) In any proceeding before an administrative law judge involving a dispute of an employee's initial determination, claim for waiting period credit or claim for benefits, all matters and provisions of this title relating to the employee's initial determination, or right to receive such credit or benefits for the period in question, shall be deemed to be in issue irrespective of the particular ground or grounds set forth in the notice of appeal in single employee cases. (2) In any proceeding before an administrative law judge involving an employee's right to benefits, all parties shall be afforded an opportunity for hearing after not less than seven days' notice in accordance with RCW 34.05.434 . (3) In any proceeding involving an appeal relating to benefit determinations or benefit claims, the administrative law judge, after affording the parties reasonable opportunity for fair hearing, shall render its decision affirming, modifying, or setting aside the determination or decisions of the department. The parties shall be duly notified of such decision together with the reasons, which shall be deemed to be the final decision unless, within thirty days after the date of notification or mailing, whichever is the earlier, of such decision, further appeal is perfected pursuant to RCW 50A.50.080 .
RCW 50A.50.030 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 50 / Section 030
RCW 50A.50.030: Benefit redeterminations.
Status: in_force

(1) A determination of amount of benefits potentially payable under this title is not a basis for appeal. However, the determination is subject to request by the employee on family and medical leave for redetermination by the commissioner at any time within one year from the date of delivery or mailing of such determination, or any redetermination thereof. A redetermination shall be furnished to the employee in writing and provide the basis for appeal. (2) A determination of denial of benefits becomes final, in the absence of timely appeal therefrom. The commissioner may redetermine such determinations at any time within one year from delivery or mailing to correct an error in identity, omission of fact, or misapplication of law with respect to the facts. (3) A determination of allowance of benefits becomes final, in the absence of a timely appeal therefrom. The commissioner may redetermine such allowance at any time within two years following the eligibility period in which such allowance was made in order to recover any benefits for which recovery is provided under this title. (4) A redetermination may be made at any time: (a) To conform to a final court decision applicable to either an initial determination or a determination of denial or allowance of benefits; (b) in the event of a back pay award or settlement affecting the allowance of benefits; or (c) in the case of misrepresentation or willful failure to report a material fact. Written notice of any such redetermination shall be promptly given by mail or delivered to such interested parties as were notified of the initial determination or determination of denial or allowance of benefits and any new interested party or parties who, pursuant to such rule as the commissioner may adopt, would be an interested party.
RCW 50.60.070 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 60 / Section 070
RCW 50.60.070: Approved plan—Revocation—Review of plans.
Status: in_force

The commissioner may revoke approval of a shared work compensation plan for good cause. The revocation order shall be in writing and shall specify the date the revocation is effective and the reasons for the revocation. Good cause for revocation shall include failure to comply with the assurances given in the plan, unreasonable revision of productivity standards, conduct or occurrences tending to defeat the intent and effective operation of the plan, and violation of the criteria on which approval of the plan was based. Such action may be initiated at any time by the commissioner on his or her own motion, on the motion of any of the affected employees, or on the motion of the appropriate collective bargaining agents. The commissioner shall review each plan at least once within the twelve-month period the plan is in effect to assure that it continues to meet the requirements of this chapter.
RCW 50.22.157 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 22 / Section 157
RCW 50.22.157: Training benefits program—Report—Program review and evaluation.
Status: in_force

(1) The employment security department shall report to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2016, and every five years thereafter, on the status of the training benefits program and the resulting outcomes. The report shall include a survey based assessment of the employment outcomes for program participants within the previous three years. The department shall also include in its report: (a) A demographic analysis of participants in the training benefits program under this section including the number of claimants per North American industry classification system code and the gender, race, age, and geographic representation of participants; (b) The duration of training benefits claimed per claimant; (c) An analysis of the training provided to participants including the occupational category supported by the training, whether the training received would lead to employment in a high-demand occupation, whether a degree or certificate is required in that occupational category to obtain employment, those participants who complete training in relationship to those that do not, the number of participants who take courses in basic language, reading, or writing skills to improve their employability, and the reasons for noncompletion of approved training programs; (d) The employment and wage history of participants, including the pretraining and posttraining wage, the type of work participants were engaged in prior to unemployment, and whether those participating in training return to their previous employer within two years of receiving training, or are employed in a field for which they were retrained; (e) An identification and analysis of administrative costs at both the local and state level for administering this program; (f) A projection of program costs for the next fiscal year; and (g) The total funds obligated for training benefits, and the net balance remaining to be obligated subject to the restrictions of RCW 50.22.140 . (2) The joint legislative audit and review committee is directed to conduct a thorough review and evaluation of the training benefits program on the following schedule: (a) Three years after the implementation of the training benefits portion of chapter 4, Laws of 2011 and every five years thereafter; and (b) In any year in which the employment security department is required to suspend obligation of training benefits funds pursuant to RCW 50.22.140 (2), or total expenditures exceed twenty-five million dollars. (3) As part of the review conducted under subsection (2) of this section, the joint legislative audit and review committee shall: (a) Assess whether the program is complying with legislative intent; (b) Assess whether the program is effective; (c) Assess whether the program is operating in an efficient and economical manner which results in optimum performance; and (d) Make recommendations on how to improve the training benefits program. (4) After a review of the training benefits program has been completed by the joint legislative audit and review committee, the appropriate committees of the legislature must hold a public hearing on the review and consider potential changes to improve the program.
RCW 50.22.020 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 22 / Section 020
RCW 50.22.020: Application of statute and rules—Eligibility for extended benefits.
Status: in_force

When the result would not be inconsistent with the other provisions of this chapter, the provisions of this title and commissioner's regulations enacted pursuant thereto, which apply to claims for, or the payment of, regular benefits, shall apply to claims for, and the payment of, extended benefits: PROVIDED, That (1) Payment of extended compensation under this chapter shall not be made to any individual for any week of unemployment in his or her eligibility period — (a) During which he or she fails to accept any offer of suitable work (as defined in subsection (3) of this section) or fails to apply for any suitable work to which he or she was referred by the employment security department; or (b) During which he or she fails to actively engage in seeking work. (2) If any individual is ineligible for extended compensation for any week by reason of a failure described in subsections (1)(a) or (1)(b) of this section, the individual shall be ineligible to receive extended compensation for any week which begins during a period which — (a) Begins with the week following the week in which such failure occurs; and (b) Does not end until such individual has been employed during at least four weeks which begin after such failure and the total of the remuneration earned by the individual for being so employed is not less than the product of four multiplied by the individual's weekly benefit amount (as determined under RCW 50.20.120 ) for his or her benefit year. (3) For purposes of this section, the term "suitable work" means, with respect to any individual, any work which is within such individual's capabilities and which does not involve conditions described in RCW 50.20.110 : PROVIDED, That if the individual furnishes evidence satisfactory to the employment security department that such individual's prospects for obtaining work in his or her customary occupation within a reasonably short period are good, the determination of whether any work is suitable work with respect to such individual shall be made in accordance with RCW 50.20.100 . (4) Extended compensation shall not be denied under subsection (1)(a) of this section to any individual for any week by reason of a failure to accept an offer of, or apply for, suitable work if: (a) The gross average weekly remuneration payable to such individual for the position does not exceed the sum of — (i) The individual's weekly benefit amount (as determined under RCW 50.20.120 ) for his or her benefit year; plus (ii) The amount (if any) of supplemental unemployment compensation benefits (as defined in section 501(c)(17)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(17)(D)), payable to such individual for such week; (b) The position was not offered to such individual in writing or was not listed with the employment security department; (c) Such failure would not result in a denial of compensation under the provisions of RCW 50.20.080 and 50.20.100 to the extent such provisions are not inconsistent with the provisions of subsections (3) and (5) of this section; or (d) The position pays wages less than the higher of — (i) The minimum wage provided by section (6)(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, without regard to any exemption; or (ii) Any applicable state or local minimum wage. (5) For purposes of this section, an individual shall be treated as actively engaged in seeking work during any week if: (a) The individual has engaged in a systematic and sustained effort to obtain work during such week; and (b) The individual provides tangible evidence to the employment security department that he or she has engaged in such an effort during such week. (6) The employment security department shall refer applicants for benefits under this chapter to any suitable work to which subsections (4)(a) through (4)(d) of this section would not apply. (7) No provisions of this title which terminates a disqualification for voluntarily leaving employment, being discharged for misconduct, or refusing suitable employment shall apply for purposes of determining eligibility for extended compensation unless such termination is based upon employment subsequent to the date of such disqualification. (8) The provisions of subsections (1) through (7) of this section shall apply with respect to weeks of unemployment beginning after March 31, 1981: PROVIDED HOWEVER, That the provisions of subsections (1) through (7) of this section shall not apply to those weeks of unemployment beginning after March 6, 1993, and before January 1, 1995.
RCW 50.06.020 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 06 / Section 020
RCW 50.06.020: Allowable beneficiaries.
Status: in_force

The benefits of this chapter shall be allowed only to: (1) Individuals who have suffered a temporary total disability and have received compensation under the industrial insurance or crime victims compensation laws of this state, any other state or the United States for a period of not less than thirteen consecutive calendar weeks by reason of such temporary total disability; or (2) Individuals who are reentering the workforce after an absence of not less than thirteen consecutive calendar weeks resulting from temporary total physical disability because of a nonwork-related injury or illness: PROVIDED, That individuals authorized to receive benefits under this subsection are required to meet other eligibility requirements under Title 50 RCW.
RCW 50.60.900 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 60 / Section 900
RCW 50.60.900: Title and rules to apply to shared work benefits—Conflict with federal requirements.
Status: in_force

Unless inconsistent with or otherwise provided by this section, this title and rules adopted under this title apply to shared work benefits. To the extent permitted by federal law, those rules may make such distinctions and requirements as may be necessary with respect to unemployed individuals to carry out the purposes of this chapter, including rules defining usual hours, days, workweek, wages, and the duration of plans adopted under this chapter. To the extent that any portion of this chapter may be inconsistent with the requirements of federal law relating to the payment of unemployment insurance benefits, the conflicting provisions or interpretations of this chapter shall be deemed inoperative, but only to the extent of the conflict. If the commissioner determines that such a conflict exists, a statement to that effect shall be filed with the governor's office for transmission to both houses of the legislature.
RCW 50B.04.110 — Washington Code / Title 50B / Chapter 04 / Section 110
RCW 50B.04.110: Long-term services and supports trust account—Investment—Policies.
Status: in_force

(1) The department of social and health services shall have the state investment board invest the funds in the account. The state investment board has the full power to invest, reinvest, manage, contract, sell, or exchange investment money in the account. All investment and operating costs associated with the investment of money shall be paid under RCW 43.33A.160 and 43.84.160 . With the exception of these expenses, the earnings from the investment of the money shall be retained by the accounts. (2) All investments made by the state investment board shall be made with the degree of judgment and care required under RCW 43.33A.140 and the investment policy established by the state investment board. (3) As deemed appropriate by the state investment board, money in the account may be commingled for investment with other funds subject to investment by the state investment board. (4) Members of the state investment board may not be considered an insurer of the funds or assets and are not liable for any action or inaction. (5) Members of the state investment board are not liable to the state, to the account, or to any other person as a result of their activities as members, whether ministerial or discretionary, except for willful dishonesty or intentional violations of law. The state investment board in its discretion may purchase liability insurance for members. (6) The authority to establish all policies relating to the account, other than the investment policies as provided in subsections (1) through (3) of this section, resides with the department of social and health services acting in accordance with the principles set forth in this chapter. With the exception of expenses of the state investment board under subsection (1) of this section, disbursements from the account shall be made only on the authorization of the department of social and health services or its designee, and moneys in the account may be spent only for the purposes specified in this chapter. (7) The state investment board shall routinely consult and communicate with the department of social and health services on the investment policy, earnings of the accounts, and related needs of the program.
RCW 50.65.080 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 080
RCW 50.65.080: Commissioner to seek assistance for Washington service corps.
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall seek and may accept, on behalf of the Washington service corps, charitable donations of cash and other assistance including, but not limited to, equipment and materials if the donations are available for appropriate use for the purposes set forth in this chapter.
RCW 50A.05.025 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 05 / Section 025
RCW 50A.05.025: Program administration—Powers.
Status: in_force

(1) In the discharge of the duties imposed by this title, the appeal tribunal and any duly authorized representative of the commissioner shall have power to administer oaths and affirmations, take depositions, certify to official acts, and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, correspondence, memoranda, and other records deemed necessary as evidence in connection with any dispute or the administration of this title. It shall be unlawful for any person, without just cause, to fail to comply with subpoenas issued pursuant to the provisions of this section. (2)(a) Any authorized representative of the commissioner may apply for and obtain a superior court order approving and authorizing a subpoena in advance of its issuance. The application may be made in the county where the subpoenaed person resides or is found, or the county where the subpoenaed records or documents are located, or in Thurston county. The application must: (i) State that an order is sought pursuant to this subsection; (ii) Adequately specify the records, documents, or testimony; and (iii) Declare under oath that an investigation is being conducted for a lawfully authorized purpose related to an investigation within the department's authority and that the subpoenaed documents or testimony are reasonably related to an investigation within the department's authority. (b) Where the application under this subsection is made to the satisfaction of the court, the court must issue an order approving the subpoena. An order under this subsection constitutes authority of law for the department to subpoena the records or testimony. (c) Any authorized representative of the commissioner may seek approval and a court may issue an order under this subsection without prior notice to any person, including the person to whom the subpoena is directed and the person who is the subject of an investigation. (3) Subsection (2) of this section is intended to comply with the holdings of State v. Miles , 160 Wn.2d 236 (2007) and State v. Reeder , 184 Wn.2d 805 (2015), and Article I, section 7 of the state Constitution. These provisions collectively require judicial review of investigative subpoenas under certain circumstances. The department is not required to receive court approval under subsection (2) of this section unless otherwise required by law.
RCW 50.60.090 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 60 / Section 090
RCW 50.60.090: Shared work benefits—Eligibility.
Status: in_force

An individual is eligible to receive shared work benefits with respect to any week only if, in addition to meeting the conditions of eligibility for other benefits under this title, the commissioner finds that: (1) The individual was employed during that week as an affected employee under an approved shared work compensation plan which was in effect for that week; (2) The affected employee was able to work and was available for his or her usual weekly hours of work with the shared work employer; and (3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an individual is deemed to have been unemployed in any week for which remuneration is payable to him or her as an affected employee for less than his or her normal weekly hours of work as specified under the approved shared work compensation plan in effect for that week.
RCW 50.72.020 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 72 / Section 020
RCW 50.72.020: Definitions.
Status: in_force

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter. (1) "Applicant" means a public or private nonprofit organization agency eligible to provide education and employment training under federal or state employment training programs. (2) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of employment security. (3) "Department" means the employment security department. (4) "Low income" has the same meaning as in RCW 43.185A.010 . (5) "Participant" means an individual that: (a) Is sixteen to twenty-four years of age, inclusive; (b) Is or is a member of a very low-income household; and (c) Is neither attending any school nor subject to a compulsory attendance law and who has not received a secondary school diploma or a certificate of equivalency for such diploma. (6) "Very low income" means a person or household whose income is at or below fifty percent of the median family income, adjusted for household size, for the county where the household is located. (7) "Youthbuild" means any program that provides disadvantaged youth with opportunities for employment, education, leadership development, entrepreneurial skills development, and training in the construction or rehabilitation of housing for special need populations, very low-income households, or low-income households.
RCW 50.04.100 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 100
RCW 50.04.100: Employment.
Status: in_force

"Employment," subject only to the other provisions of this title, means personal service, of whatever nature, unlimited by any employment relationship as known to the common law or any other legal relationship, including service in interstate commerce, performed for wages or under any contract calling for the performance of personal services, written or oral, express or implied. Except as provided by RCW 50.04.145 , personal services performed for an employing unit by one or more contractors or subcontractors acting individually or as a partnership, which do not meet the provisions of RCW 50.04.140 , shall be considered employment of the employing unit: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That such contractor or subcontractor shall be an employer under the provisions of this title in respect to personal services performed by individuals for such contractor or subcontractor.
RCW 50.20.200 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 200
RCW 50.20.200: Nonliability of state.
Status: in_force

Benefits shall be deemed to be due and payable under this title only to the extent provided in this title and to the extent that moneys are available therefor to the credit of the unemployment compensation fund, and neither the state nor the commissioner shall be liable for any amount in excess of such sums.
RCW 50.29.041 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 29 / Section 041
RCW 50.29.041: Contribution rate—Solvency surcharge.
Status: in_force

Except for contributions assessed for rate years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, the contribution rate of each employer subject to contributions under RCW 50.24.010 shall include a solvency surcharge determined as follows: (1) This section shall apply to employers' contributions for a rate year immediately following a cut-off date only if, on the cut-off date, the balance in the unemployment compensation fund is determined by the commissioner to be an amount that will provide fewer than seven months of unemployment benefits. (2) The solvency surcharge shall be the lowest rate necessary, as determined by the commissioner, but not more than two-tenths of one percent, to provide revenue during the applicable rate year that will fund unemployment benefits for the number of months that is the difference between nine months and the number of months for which the balance in the unemployment compensation fund on the cut-off date will provide benefits. (3) The basis for determining the number of months of unemployment benefits shall be the same basis used in RCW 50.29.025 (1)(b)(i)(B).
RCW 50.04.310 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 310
RCW 50.04.310: Unemployed individual—Individual not unemployed—Unemployed corporate officer—Corporate officer not unemployed.
Status: in_force

(1) An individual: (a) Is "unemployed" in any week during which the individual performs no services and with respect to which no remuneration is payable to the individual, or in any week of less than full time work, if the remuneration payable to the individual with respect to such week is less than one and one-third times the individual's weekly benefit amount plus five dollars. The commissioner shall prescribe regulations applicable to unemployed individuals making such distinctions in the procedures as to such types of unemployment as the commissioner deems necessary. (b) Is not "unemployed" in any week which falls totally within a period during which the individual, pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or individual employment contract, is employed full time in accordance with a definition of full time contained in the agreement or contract, and for which compensation for full time work is payable. This subsection may not be applied retroactively to an individual who had no guarantee of work at the start of such period and subsequently is provided additional work by the employer. (2)(a) An officer of a corporation who owns ten percent or more of the outstanding stock of the corporation, or a corporate officer who is a family member of an officer who owns ten percent or more of the outstanding stock of the corporation, whose claim for benefits is based on any wages with that corporation: (i) Is not "unemployed" in any week during the individual's term of office or ownership in the corporation, even if wages are not being paid, unless the corporate officer's covered base year wages with that corporation are less than twenty-five percent of his or her total covered base year wages. (ii) Is "unemployed" in any week upon dissolution of the corporation or if the officer permanently resigns or is permanently removed from their appointment and responsibilities with that corporation in accordance with its articles of incorporation or bylaws or if the corporate officer's covered base year wages with that corporation are less than twenty-five percent of his or her total covered base year wages. (b) As used in this subsection (2), "family member" means persons who are members of a family by blood or marriage as parents, stepparents, grandparents, spouses, children, brothers, sisters, stepchildren, adopted children, or grandchildren. (3) Subsection (2)(a) of this section does not apply to officers of an employee cooperative corporation organized under chapter 23.78 RCW, a cooperative association organized under chapter 23.86 RCW, or a limited cooperative association organized under chapter 23.100 RCW. For purposes of subsection (1)(a) of this section, an officer of an employee cooperative corporation organized under chapter 23.78 RCW, a cooperative association organized under chapter 23.86 RCW, or a limited cooperative association organized under chapter 23.100 RCW will not be considered to be performing services by acting only as an officer for the entity.
RCW 50A.50.120 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 50 / Section 120
RCW 50A.50.120: Waiver of time limitations.
Status: in_force

For good cause shown the administrative law judge or the commissioner may waive the time limitations for administrative appeals or petitions set forth in this title.
RCW 50.72.010 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 72 / Section 010
RCW 50.72.010: Legislative findings.
Status: in_force

(1) The legislature finds that there is a need to: (a) Expand the supply of permanent affordable housing for homeless individuals, low and very low-income persons, and special need populations by utilizing the energies and talents of economically disadvantaged youth; (b) Provide economically disadvantaged youth with opportunities for meaningful work and service to their communities in helping to meet the housing needs of homeless individuals, low and very low-income persons, and special need populations; (c) Enable economically disadvantaged youth to obtain the education and employment skills necessary to achieve economic self-sufficiency; and (d) Foster the development of leadership skills and commitment to community development among youth in designated community empowerment zones. (2) The legislature declares that the purpose of the Washington youthbuild program is to: (a) Help disadvantaged youth who have dropped out of school to obtain the education and employment skills necessary to achieve economic self-sufficiency and develop leadership skills and a commitment to community development in designated community empowerment zones; and (b) Provide funding assistance to entities implementing programs that provide comprehensive education and skills training programs designed to lead to self-sufficiency for economically disadvantaged youth.
RCW 50.24.120 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 24 / Section 120
RCW 50.24.120: Collection by civil action.
Status: in_force

(1) If after due notice, any employer defaults in any payment of contributions, interest, or penalties, the amount due may be collected by civil action in the name of the state, and the employer adjudged in default shall pay the cost of such action. Any lien created by this title may be foreclosed by decree of the court in any such action. Civil actions brought under this title to collect contributions, interest, or penalties from an employer shall be heard by the court at the earliest possible date and shall be entitled to preference upon the calendar of the court over all other civil actions except petitions for judicial review under this title and cases arising under the industrial insurance laws of this state. (2) Any employing unit which is not a resident of this state and which exercises the privilege of having one or more individuals perform service for it within this state, and any resident employing unit which exercises that privilege and thereafter removes from this state, shall be deemed thereby to appoint the secretary of state as its agent and attorney for the acceptance of process in any action under this title. In instituting such an action against any such employing unit the commissioner shall cause such process or notice to be filed with the secretary of state and such service shall be sufficient service upon such employing unit, and shall be of the same force and validity as if served upon it personally within this state: PROVIDED, That the commissioner shall forthwith send notice of the service of such process or notice, together with a copy thereof, by registered mail, return receipt requested, to such employing unit at its last known address and such return receipt, the commissioner's affidavit of compliance with the provisions of this section, and a copy of the notice of service shall be appended to the original of the process filed in the court in which such action is pending. (3) The courts of this state shall in the manner provided in subsections (1) and (2) of this section entertain actions to collect contributions, interest, or penalties for which liability has accrued under the employment security law of any other state or of the federal government.
RCW 50.20.119 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 119
RCW 50.20.119: Part-time workers.
Status: in_force

(1) With respect to claims that have an effective date on or after January 2, 2005, an otherwise eligible individual may not be denied benefits for any week because the individual is a part-time worker and is available for, seeks, applies for, or accepts only work of seventeen or fewer hours per week by reason of the application of RCW 50.20.010 (1)(c), 50.20.080 , or 50.22.020 (1) relating to availability for work and active search for work, or failure to apply for or refusal to accept suitable work. (2) For purposes of this section, "part-time worker" means an individual who: (a) Earned wages in "employment" in at least forty weeks in the individual's base year; and (b) did not earn wages in "employment" in more than seventeen hours per week in any weeks in the individual's base year.
RCW 50.20.190 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 190
RCW 50.20.190: Recovery of benefit payments.
Status: in_force

(1) An individual who is paid any amount as benefits under this title to which they are not entitled shall, unless otherwise relieved pursuant to this section, be liable for repayment of the amount overpaid. The department shall issue an overpayment assessment setting forth the reasons for and the amount of the overpayment. The amount assessed, to the extent not collected, may be deducted from any future benefits payable to the individual: PROVIDED, That in the absence of a back pay award, a settlement affecting the allowance of benefits, fraud, misrepresentation, or willful nondisclosure, every determination of liability shall be mailed or personally served not later than two years after the close of or final payment made on the individual's applicable benefit year for which the purported overpayment was made, whichever is later, unless the merits of the claim are subjected to administrative or judicial review in which event the period for serving the determination of liability shall be extended to allow service of the determination of liability during the six-month period following the final decision affecting the claim. (2) The commissioner may waive an overpayment if the commissioner finds that the overpayment was not the result of fraud, misrepresentation, willful nondisclosure, or fault attributable to the individual and that the recovery thereof would be against equity and good conscience. When determining whether the recovery would be against equity and good conscience, the department must consider whether the employer or employer's agent failed to respond timely and adequately to a written request of the department for information relating to the claim or claims without establishing good cause for the failure pursuant to RCW 50.29.021 (5). An overpayment waived under this subsection shall be charged against the individual's applicable entitlement for the eligibility period containing the weeks to which the overpayment was attributed as though such benefits had been properly paid. (3) Any assessment herein provided shall constitute a determination of liability from which an appeal may be had in the same manner and to the same extent as provided for appeals relating to determinations in respect to claims for benefits: PROVIDED, That an appeal from any determination covering overpayment only shall be deemed to be an appeal from the determination which was the basis for establishing the overpayment unless the merits involved in the issue set forth in such determination have already been heard and passed upon by the appeal tribunal. If no such appeal is taken to the appeal tribunal by the individual within thirty days of the delivery of the notice of determination of liability, or within thirty days of the mailing of the notice of determination, whichever is the earlier, the determination of liability shall be deemed conclusive and final. Whenever any such notice of determination of liability becomes conclusive and final, the commissioner, upon giving at least twenty days' notice, using a method by which the mailing can be tracked or the delivery can be confirmed, may file with the superior court clerk of any county within the state a warrant in the amount of the notice of determination of liability plus a filing fee under RCW 36.18.012 (10). The clerk of the county where the warrant is filed shall immediately designate a superior court cause number for the warrant, and the clerk shall cause to be entered in the judgment docket under the superior court cause number assigned to the warrant, the name of the person(s) mentioned in the warrant, the amount of the notice of determination of liability, and the date when the warrant was filed. The amount of the warrant as docketed shall become a lien upon the title to, and any interest in, all real and personal property of the person(s) against whom the warrant is issued, the same as a judgment in a civil case duly docketed in the office of such clerk. A warrant so docketed shall be sufficient to support the issuance of writs of execution and writs of garnishment in favor of the state in the manner provided by law for a civil judgment. A copy of the warrant shall be mailed within five days of its filing with the clerk to the person(s) mentioned in the warrant using a method by which the mailing can be tracked or the delivery can be confirmed. (4) On request of any agency which administers an employment security law of another state, the United States, or a foreign government and which has found in accordance with the provisions of such law that a claimant is liable to repay benefits received under such law, the commissioner may collect the amount of such benefits from the claimant to be refunded to the agency. In any case in which under this section a claimant is liable to repay any amount to the agency of another state, the United States, or a foreign government, such amounts may be collected without interest by civil action in the name of the commissioner acting as agent for such agency if the other state, the United States, or the foreign government extends such collection rights to the employment security department of the state of Washington, and provided that the court costs be paid by the governmental agency benefiting from such collection. (5) Any employer who is a party to a back pay award or settlement due to loss of wages shall, within thirty days of the award or settlement, report to the department the amount of the award or settlement, the name and social security number of the recipient of the award or settlement, and the period for which it is awarded. When an individual has been awarded or receives back pay, for benefit purposes the amount of the back pay shall constitute wages paid in the period for which it was awarded. For contribution purposes, the back pay award or settlement shall constitute wages paid in the period in which it was actually paid. The following requirements shall also apply: (a) The employer shall reduce the amount of the back pay award or settlement by an amount determined by the department based upon the amount of unemployment benefits received by the recipient of the award or settlement during the period for which the back pay award or settlement was awarded; (b) The employer shall pay to the unemployment compensation fund, in a manner specified by the commissioner, an amount equal to the amount of such reduction; (c) The employer shall also pay to the department any taxes due for unemployment insurance purposes on the entire amount of the back pay award or settlement notwithstanding any reduction made pursuant to (a) of this subsection; (d) If the employer fails to reduce the amount of the back pay award or settlement as required in (a) of this subsection, the department shall issue an overpayment assessment against the recipient of the award or settlement in the amount that the back pay award or settlement should have been reduced; and (e) If the employer fails to pay to the department an amount equal to the reduction as required in (b) of this subsection, the department shall issue an assessment of liability against the employer which shall be collected pursuant to the procedures for collection of assessments provided herein and in RCW 50.24.110 . (6)(a) When an individual fails to repay an overpayment assessment that is due and fails to arrange for satisfactory repayment terms, the commissioner shall impose an interest penalty of one percent per month of the outstanding balance. Interest shall accrue immediately on overpayments assessed pursuant to RCW 50.20.070 and shall be imposed when the assessment becomes final. For any other overpayment, interest shall accrue when the individual has missed two or more of the individual's monthly payments either partially or in full. (b) The department shall not charge interest on overpayment assessments for benefits paid for the week beginning February 2, 2020, through the week ending September 4, 2021, until January 1, 2025, unless the overpayment assessment is a result of a determination by the department that the individual was disqualified from receiving those benefits under RCW 50.20.070 . If an individual had previously paid interest to the department on overpayment assessments for benefits paid for the week beginning February 2, 2020, through the week ending September 4, 2021, the department shall choose, in its sole discretion, one of the following options: (i) Apply those payments toward any principal balance, penalties, or interest owed by the individual; or (ii) Refund those payments to the individual. (7) The department shall: (a) Conduct social security number cross-match audits or engage in other more effective activities that ensure that individuals are entitled to all amounts of benefits that they are paid; and (b) engage in other detection and recovery of overpayment and collection activities.
RCW 50.04.290 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 290
RCW 50.04.290: Employment office.
Status: in_force

"Employment office" means a free public employment office, or branch thereof, operated by this or any other state as a part of a state controlled system of public employment offices, or by a federal agency or any agency of a foreign government charged with the administration of an unemployment compensation program or free public employment offices. All claims for unemployment compensation benefits, registrations for employment, and all job or placement referrals received or made by any of the employment offices as above defined and pursuant to regulation of the commissioner subsequent to December 31, 1941, are hereby declared in all respects to be valid. The commissioner is authorized to make such investigation, secure and transmit such information, make available such services and facilities and exercise such of the other powers provided herein with respect to the administration of this title as he or she deems necessary or appropriate to facilitate the administration of any state or federal unemployment compensation or public employment service law and in like manner to accept and utilize information, services, and facilities made available to the state by the agency charged with the administration of any such unemployment compensation or public employment service law. Any such action taken by the commissioner subsequent to December 31, 1941, is hereby declared to be in all respects valid.
RCW 50A.45.050 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 45 / Section 050
RCW 50A.45.050: Liens.
Status: in_force

The claim of the employment security department for any premiums, interest, or penalties not paid when due, shall be a lien prior to all other liens or claims and on a parity with prior tax liens against all property and rights to property, whether real or personal, belonging to the employer. In order to avail itself of the lien hereby created, the department shall file with any county auditor where property of the employer is located a statement and claim of lien specifying the amount of delinquent premiums, interest, and penalties claimed by the department. From the time of filing for record, the amount required to be paid shall constitute a lien upon all property and rights to property, whether real or personal, in the county, owned by the employer or acquired by him or her. The lien shall not be valid against any purchaser, holder of a security interest, mechanic's lien, or judgment lien creditor until notice thereof has been filed with the county auditor. This lien shall be separate and apart from, and in addition to, any other lien or claim created by, or provided for in, this title. When any such notice of lien has been so filed, the commissioner may release the same by filing a certificate of release when it shall appear that the amount of delinquent premiums, interest, and penalties have been paid, or when such assurance of payment shall be made as the commissioner may deem to be adequate. Fees for filing and releasing the lien provided herein may be charged to the employer and may be collected from the employer utilizing the remedies provided in this title for the collection of premiums.
RCW 50.32.130 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 32 / Section 130
RCW 50.32.130: Undertakings on seeking judicial review.
Status: in_force

No bond of any kind shall be required of any individual seeking judicial review from a commissioner's decision affecting such individual's application for initial determination or claim for waiting period credit or for benefits. No commissioner's decision shall be stayed by a petition for judicial review unless the petitioning employer shall first deposit an undertaking in an amount theretofore deemed by the commissioner to be due, if any, from the petitioning employer, together with interest thereon, if any, with the commissioner or in the registry of the court: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That this section shall not be deemed to authorize a stay in the payment of benefits to an individual when such individual has been held entitled thereto by a decision of the commissioner which decision either affirms, reverses, or modifies a decision of an appeals tribunal.
RCW 50.13.080 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Section 080
RCW 50.13.080: Disclosure of records or information to private persons or organizations contracting to assist in operation and management of department—Penalties.
Status: in_force

(1) The employment security department shall have the right to disclose information or records deemed private and confidential under this chapter to any private person or organization when such disclosure is necessary to permit private contracting parties to assist in the operation and management of the employment security department in instances where certain employment security departmental functions may be delegated to private parties to increase the employment security department's efficiency or quality of service to the public. The private persons or organizations 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 employment security department employees. (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting or restricting the effect of RCW 42.56.070 (8).
RCW 50.32.090 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 32 / Section 090
RCW 50.32.090: Finality of commissioner's decision.
Status: in_force

Any decision of the commissioner involving a review of an appeal tribunal decision, in the absence of a petition therefrom as provided in chapter 34.05 RCW, becomes final thirty days after service. The commissioner shall be deemed to be a party to any judicial action involving any such decision and shall be represented in any such judicial action by the attorney general.
RCW 50.65.070 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 070
RCW 50.65.070: Enrollees not to displace current workers.
Status: in_force

The assignment of enrollees shall not result in the displacement of currently employed workers, including partial displacement such as reduction in hours of nonovertime work, wages, or other employment benefits. Supervising agencies that participate in the program may not terminate, lay-off, or reduce the working hours of any employee for the purpose of utilizing an enrollee with funds available. In circumstances where substantial efficiencies or a public purpose may result, supervising agencies may utilize enrollees to carry out essential agency work or contractual functions without displacing current employees.
RCW 50.60.060 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 60 / Section 060
RCW 50.60.060: Approved plan—Effective date—Expiration.
Status: in_force

A shared work compensation plan shall be effective on the date agreed upon by the department and the employer but no later than the first day of the second calendar week after the date of the commissioner's approval, unless a later date is requested by the employer. The plan shall expire at the end of the twelfth full calendar month after its effective date, or on the date specified in the plan if that date is earlier, unless the plan is revoked before that date by the commissioner. If a plan is revoked by the commissioner, it shall terminate on the date specified in the commissioner's order of revocation.
RCW 50A.50.070 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 50 / Section 070
RCW 50A.50.070: Hearing procedures.
Status: in_force

The manner in which any dispute is presented to the administrative law judge, and the conduct of hearings and appeals, shall be in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner. A full and complete record shall be kept of all administrative law judge proceedings. All testimony at any appeal hearing shall be recorded, but need not be transcribed unless further appeal is taken.
RCW 50.04.223 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 223
RCW 50.04.223: Employment—Massage therapist.
Status: in_force

The term "employment" does not include services performed by a massage therapist licensed under chapter 18.108 RCW in a massage business if the use of the business facilities is contingent upon compensation to the owner of the business facilities and the person receives no compensation from the owner for the services performed. This exemption does not include services performed by a massage therapist for an employer under chapter 50.44 RCW.
RCW 50.04.145 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 145
RCW 50.04.145: Employment—Exclusions.
Status: in_force

The term "employment" shall not include services which require registration under chapter 18.27 RCW or licensing under chapter 19.28 RCW rendered by an individual when: (1) The individual has been and will continue to be free from control or direction over the performance of the service, both under the contract of service and in fact; (2) The service is either outside the usual course of business for which the service is performed, or the service is performed outside of all the places of business of the enterprise for which the service is performed, or the individual is responsible, both under the contract and in fact, for the costs of the principal place of business from which the service is performed; (3) The individual is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, profession, or business, of the same nature as that involved in the contract of service, or the individual has a principal place of business for the business the individual is conducting that is eligible for a business deduction for federal income tax purposes, other than that furnished by the employer for which the business has contracted to furnish services; (4) On the effective date of the contract of service, the individual is responsible for filing at the next applicable filing period, both under the contract of service and in fact, a schedule of expenses with the internal revenue service for the type of business the individual is conducting; (5) On the effective date of the contract of service, or within a reasonable period after the effective date of the contract, the individual has an active and valid certificate of registration with the department of revenue, and an active and valid account with any other state agencies as required by the particular case, for the business the individual is conducting for the payment of all state taxes normally paid by employers and businesses and has registered for and received a unified business identifier number from the state of Washington; (6) On the effective date of the contract of service, the individual is maintaining a separate set of books or records that reflect all items of income and expenses of the business that the individual is conducting; and (7) On the effective date of the contract of service, the individual has a valid contractor registration pursuant to chapter 18.27 RCW or an electrical contractor license pursuant to chapter 19.28 RCW.
RCW 50.12.100 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 100
RCW 50.12.100: Compulsory production of records and information.
Status: in_force

In case of contumacy or refusal to obey subpoenas issued to any person, any court of the state within the jurisdiction of which the inquiry is carried on, or within the jurisdiction of which said person guilty of contumacy or refusal to obey is found or resides or transacts business, upon application by any duly authorized representative of the commissioner, shall have jurisdiction to issue to such person an order requiring such person to appear before such authorized representative, there to produce evidence, if so ordered, or there to give testimony touching the matter under investigation, or in question. Failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by said court as a contempt thereof.
RCW 50.76.040 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 76 / Section 040
RCW 50.76.040: State agency contracts—Domestic location requirement.
Status: in_force

State agency contracts made after July 27, 2025, for purchases of call center services, with the exception of interpreter services, must provide that the work performed by the contractor or its agents or subcontractors be performed entirely within the United States of America.
RCW 50B.04.030 — Washington Code / Title 50B / Chapter 04 / Section 030
RCW 50B.04.030: Long-term services and supports trust commission—Investment strategy subcommittee.
Status: in_force

(1) The long-term services and supports trust commission is established. The commission's recommendations and decisions must be guided by the joint goals of maintaining benefit adequacy and maintaining fund solvency and sustainability. (2) The commission includes: (a) Two members from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; (b) Two members from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate; (c) The commissioner of the employment security department, or the commissioner's designee; (d) The secretary of the department of social and health services, or the secretary's designee; (e) The director of the health care authority, or the director's designee, who shall serve as a nonvoting member; (f) One representative of the organization representing the area agencies on aging; (g) One representative of a home care association that represents caregivers who provide services to private pay and medicaid clients; (h) One representative of a union representing long-term care workers; (i) One representative of an organization representing retired persons; (j) One representative of an association representing skilled nursing facilities and assisted living providers; (k) One representative of an association representing adult family home providers; (l) Two individuals receiving long-term services and supports, or their designees, or representatives of consumers receiving long-term services and supports under the program; (m) One member who is a worker who is, or will likely be, paying the premium established in RCW 50B.04.080 and who is not employed by a long-term services and supports provider; and (n) One representative of an organization of employers whose members collect, or will likely be collecting, the premium established in RCW 50B.04.080 . (3)(a) Other than the legislators and agency heads identified in subsection (2) of this section, members of the commission are appointed by the governor for terms of two years, except that the governor shall appoint the initial members identified in subsection (2)(f) through (n) of this section to staggered terms not to exceed four years. (b) The secretary of the department of social and health services, or the secretary's designee, shall serve as chair of the commission. Meetings of the commission are at the call of the chair. A majority of the voting members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for any votes of the commission. Approval of sixty percent of those voting members of the commission who are in attendance is required for the passage of any vote. (c) Members of the commission and the subcommittee established in subsection (6) of this section must be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.250 and must be reimbursed for their travel expenses while on official business in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060 . (4) Beginning January 1, 2021, the commission shall propose recommendations to the appropriate executive agency or the legislature regarding: (a) The establishment of criteria for determining that an individual has met the requirements to be a qualified individual as established in RCW 50B.04.050 or an eligible beneficiary as established in RCW 50B.04.060 ; (b) The establishment of criteria for minimum qualifications for the registration of long-term services and supports providers who provide approved services to eligible beneficiaries; (c) The establishment of payment maximums for approved services consistent with actuarial soundness which shall not be lower than medicaid payments for comparable services. A service or supply may be limited by dollar amount, duration, or number of visits. The commission shall engage affected stakeholders to develop this recommendation; (d) Changes to rules or policies to improve the operation of the program; (e) Providing a recommendation to the council for the annual adjustment of the benefit unit in accordance with RCW 50B.04.010 and 50B.04.040 ; (f) A refund of premiums for a deceased qualified individual with a dependent who is an individual with a developmental disability who is dependent for support from a qualified individual. The qualified individual must not have been determined to be an eligible beneficiary by the department of social and health services. The refund shall be deposited into an individual trust account within the developmental disabilities endowment trust fund for the benefit of the dependent with a developmental disability. The commission shall consider: (i) The value of the refund to be one hundred percent of the current value of the qualified individual's lifetime premium payments at the time that certification of death of the qualified individual is submitted, less any administrative process fees; and (ii) The criteria for determining whether the individual is developmentally disabled. The determination shall not be based on whether or not the individual with a developmental disability is receiving services under Title 71A RCW, or another state or local program; (g) Assisting the state actuary with the preparation of regular actuarial reports on the solvency and financial status of the program and advising the legislature on actions necessary to maintain trust solvency. The commission shall provide the office of the state actuary with all actuarial reports for review. The office of the state actuary shall provide any recommendations to the commission and the legislature on actions necessary to maintain trust solvency; (h) For the January 1, 2021, report only, recommendations on whether and how to extend coverage to individuals who became disabled before the age of eighteen, including the impact on the financial status and solvency of the trust. The commission shall engage affected stakeholders to develop this recommendation; and (i) For the January 1, 2021, report only, the commission shall consult with the office of the state actuary on the development of an actuarial report of the projected solvency and financial status of the program. The office of the state actuary shall provide any recommendations to the commission and the legislature on actions necessary to achieve trust solvency. (5) The commission shall monitor agency administrative expenses over time. Beginning November 15, 2020, the commission must annually report to the governor and the fiscal committees of the legislature on agency spending for administrative expenses and anticipated administrative expenses as the program shifts into different phases of implementation and operation. The November 15, 2027, report must include recommendations for a method of calculating future agency administrative expenses to limit administrative expenses while providing sufficient funds to adequately operate the program. The agency heads identified in subsection (2) of this section may advise the commission on the reports prepared under this subsection, but must recuse themselves from the commission's process for review, approval, and submission to the legislature. (6) The commission shall establish an investment strategy subcommittee consisting of the members identified in subsection (2)(a) through (d) of this section as voting members of the subcommittee. In addition, four members appointed by the governor who are considered experienced and qualified in the field of investment shall serve as nonvoting members. The subcommittee shall provide guidance and advice to the state investment board on investment strategies for the account, including seeking counsel and advice on the types of investments that are constitutionally permitted. (7) The commission shall work with insurers to develop long-term care insurance products that supplement the program's benefit.
RCW 50.04.320 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 04 / Section 320
RCW 50.04.320: Wages, remuneration.
Status: in_force

(1) For the purpose of payment of contributions, "wages" means the remuneration paid by one employer during any calendar year to an individual in its employment under this title or the unemployment compensation law of any other state in the amount specified in RCW 50.24.010 . If an employer (hereinafter referred to as a successor employer) during any calendar year acquires substantially all the operating assets of another employer (hereinafter referred to as a predecessor employer) or assets used in a separate unit of a trade or business of a predecessor employer, and immediately after the acquisition employs in the individual's trade or business an individual who immediately before the acquisition was employed in the trade or business of the predecessor employer, then, for the purposes of determining the amount of remuneration paid by the successor employer to the individual during the calendar year which is subject to contributions, any remuneration paid to the individual by the predecessor employer during that calendar year and before the acquisition shall be considered as having been paid by the successor employer. (2) For the purpose of payment of benefits, "wages" means the remuneration paid by one or more employers to an individual for employment under this title during his or her base year: PROVIDED, That at the request of a claimant, wages may be calculated on the basis of remuneration payable. The department shall notify each claimant that wages are calculated on the basis of remuneration paid, but at the claimant's request a redetermination may be performed and based on remuneration payable. (3) For the purpose of payment of benefits and payment of contributions, the term "wages" includes tips which are received after January 1, 1987, while performing services which constitute employment, and which are reported to the employer for federal income tax purposes. (4)(a) "Remuneration" means all compensation paid for personal services including commissions and bonuses and the cash value of all compensation paid in any medium other than cash. The reasonable cash value of compensation paid in any medium other than cash and the reasonable value of gratuities shall be estimated and determined in accordance with rules prescribed by the commissioner. Remuneration does not include payments to members of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the organized militia of the state of Washington, for the performance of duty for periods not exceeding seventy-two hours at a time. (b) Previously accrued compensation, other than severance pay or payments received pursuant to plant closure agreements, when assigned to a specific period of time by virtue of a collective bargaining agreement, individual employment contract, customary trade practice, or request of the individual compensated, shall be considered remuneration for the period to which it is assigned. Assignment clearly occurs when the compensation serves to make the individual eligible for all regular fringe benefits for the period to which the compensation is assigned. (c) Settlements or other proceeds received by an individual as a result of a negotiated settlement for termination of an individual written employment contract prior to its expiration date shall be considered remuneration. The proceeds shall be deemed assigned in the same intervals and in the same amount for each interval as compensation was allocated under the contract. (d) Except as provided in (c) of this subsection, the provisions of this subsection (4) pertaining to the assignment of previously accrued compensation shall not apply to individuals subject to RCW 50.44.050 .
RCW 50.72.050 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 72 / Section 050
RCW 50.72.050: Participation time limits—Educational services and activities requirement.
Status: in_force

(1) An individual selected as a participant in the youthbuild program under this chapter may be offered full-time participation for a period of not less than six months and not more than twenty-four months. (2) An applicant's program that is selected for funding under this chapter shall be structured so that fifty percent of the time spent by the participants in the youthbuild program is devoted to educational services and activities, such as those outlined in RCW 50.72.040 .
RCW 50.36.020 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 36 / Section 020
RCW 50.36.020: Violations by employers.
Status: in_force

(1) Any person required under this title to collect, account for and pay over any contributions imposed by this title, who willfully fails to collect or truthfully account for and pay over such contributions, and any person who willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any contributions imposed by this title or the payment thereof, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor and shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned for up to three hundred sixty-four days, or both, together with the costs of prosecution. (2) The term "person" as used in this section includes an officer or individual in the employment of a corporation, or a member or individual in the employment of a partnership, who as such officer, individual or member is under a duty to perform the act in respect of which the violation occurs. A corporation may likewise be prosecuted under this section and may be subjected to fine and payment of costs of prosecution as prescribed herein for a person.
RCW 50A.05.110 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 05 / Section 110
RCW 50A.05.110: No continuing entitlement or contractual right.
Status: in_force

This title does not create a continuing entitlement or contractual right. The legislature reserves the right to amend or repeal all or part of this title at any time, and a benefit or other right granted under this title exists subject to the legislature's power to amend or repeal this title. There is no vested private right of any kind against such amendment or repeal.
RCW 50.65.907 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 65 / Section 907
RCW 50.65.907: Short title—1993 sp.s. c 7.
Status: in_force

Sections 1 through 13 of this act may be known and cited as the Washington serves act.
RCW 50.12.090 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 090
RCW 50.12.090: Interstate use of employing unit records.
Status: in_force

The records of an employer maintained in this state pertaining to employment of persons in another state shall be open to representatives of the commissioner to permit cooperation with other state unemployment compensation agencies in ascertaining information necessary to administer the unemployment compensation acts of such other states.
RCW 50.13.015 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 13 / Section 015
RCW 50.13.015: Information held private and confidential—Requests for disclosure.
Status: in_force

(1) If information provided to the department by another governmental agency is held private and confidential by state or federal laws, the department may not release such information. (2) Information provided to the department by another governmental entity conditioned upon privacy and confidentiality is to be held private and confidential according to the agreement between the department and other governmental agency. (3) The department may hold private and confidential information obtained for statistical analysis, research, or study purposes if the information was supplied voluntarily, conditioned upon maintaining confidentiality of the information. (4) Persons requesting disclosure of information held by the department under subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall request such disclosure from the agency providing the information to the department rather than from the department. (5) This section supersedes any provisions of chapter 42.56 RCW to the contrary.
RCW 50.12.060 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 12 / Section 060
RCW 50.12.060: Reciprocal coverage arrangements.
Status: in_force

The commissioner is hereby authorized to enter into arrangements with the appropriate agencies of other states, foreign governments, or the federal government whereby services performed by an individual for a single employing unit for which services are customarily performed in more than one state shall be deemed to be services performed entirely within any one of the states (1) in which any part of such individual's service is performed, or (2) in which such individual has his or her residence, or (3) in which the employing unit maintains a place of business: PROVIDED, That there is in effect, as to such services, an election by the employing unit with the acquiescence of such individual, approved by the agency charged with the administration of such state's unemployment compensation law, pursuant to which all the services performed by such individual for such employing unit are deemed to be performed entirely within such state.
RCW 50B.04.150 — Washington Code / Title 50B / Chapter 04 / Section 150
RCW 50B.04.150: Benefits not income or resource.
Status: in_force

Any benefits used by an individual under this chapter are not income or resources for any determinations of eligibility for any other state program or benefit, for medicaid, for a state-federal program, or for any other means-tested program.
RCW 50.01.005 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 01 / Section 005
RCW 50.01.005: Short title.
Status: in_force

This title shall be known and may be cited as the "Employment Security Act."
RCW 50A.25.060 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 25 / Section 060
RCW 50A.25.060: Private and confidential information—When available to parties to judicial or formal administrative proceedings.
Status: in_force

(1) Information or records deemed private and confidential under this chapter shall be available to parties to judicial or formal administrative proceedings only upon a written finding by the presiding officer that the need for the information or records in the proceeding outweighs any reasons for the privacy and confidentiality of the information or records. (2) Information or records deemed private and confidential under this chapter shall not be available in discovery proceedings unless the court in which the action has been filed has made the finding in subsection (1) of this section. A judicial or administrative subpoena directed to the department must contain this finding. A subpoena for records or information under this section must be submitted in a manner prescribed by the department.
RCW 50.16.070 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 16 / Section 070
RCW 50.16.070: Federal interest payment fund—Employer contributions—When payable—Maximum rate—Deduction from remuneration unlawful.
Status: in_force

The federal interest payment fund shall consist of contributions payable by each employer (except employers as described in RCW 50.44.010 and 50.44.030 who have properly elected to make payments in lieu of contributions, employers who are required to make payments in lieu of contributions, and employers paying contributions under RCW 50.44.035 ) for any calendar quarter which begins on or after January 1, 1984, and for which the commissioner determines that the department will have an outstanding balance of accruing federal interest at the end of the calendar quarter. The amount of wages subject to tax shall be determined according to RCW 50.24.010 . The tax rate applicable to wages paid during the calendar quarter shall be determined by the commissioner and shall not exceed fifteen one-hundredths of one percent. In determining whether to require contributions as authorized by this section, the commissioner shall consider the current balance in the federal interest payment fund and the projected amount of interest which will be due and payable as of the following September 30. Except as appropriated for the fiscal biennium ending June 30, 1991, any excess moneys in the federal interest payment fund shall be retained in the fund for future interest payments. Contributions under this section shall become due and be paid by each employer in accordance with such rules as the commissioner may prescribe and shall not be deducted, in whole or in part, from the remuneration of individuals in the employ of the employer. Any deduction in violation of this section is unlawful. In the payment of any contributions under this section, a fractional part of a cent shall be disregarded unless it amounts to one-half cent or more, in which case it shall be increased to one cent.
RCW 50.38.040 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 38 / Section 040
RCW 50.38.040: Annual report.
Status: in_force

The department shall submit an annual report to the legislature and the governor that includes, but is not limited to: (1) Identification and analysis of industries in the United States, Washington state, and local labor markets with high levels of seasonal, cyclical, and structural unemployment; (2) The industries and local labor markets with plant closures and mass lay-offs and the number of affected workers; (3) An analysis of the major causes of plant closures and mass lay-offs; (4) The number of dislocated workers and persons who have exhausted their unemployment benefits, classified by industry, occupation, and local labor markets; (5) The experience of the unemployed in their efforts to become reemployed. This should include research conducted on the continuous wage and benefit history; (6) Five-year industry and occupational employment projections; and (7) Annual and hourly average wage rates by industry and occupation.
RCW 50.20.140 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 20 / Section 140
RCW 50.20.140: Filing applications and claims—Definitions.
Status: in_force

(1) An application for initial determination, a claim for waiting period, or a claim for benefits shall be filed in accordance with such rules as the commissioner may prescribe. An application for an initial determination may be made by any individual whether unemployed or not. Each employer shall post and maintain printed statements of such rules in places readily accessible to individuals in his or her employment and shall make available to each such individual at the time he or she becomes unemployed, a printed statement of such rules and such notices, instructions, and other material as the commissioner may by rule prescribe. Such printed material shall be supplied by the commissioner to each employer without cost to the employer. (2) The term "application for initial determination" shall mean a request in writing, or by other means as determined by the commissioner, for an initial determination. (3) The term "claim for waiting period" shall mean a certification, after the close of a given week, that the requirements stated herein for eligibility for waiting period have been met. If RCW 50.20.010 (1)(d) is waived, the term "claim for waiting period" is not applicable. (4) The term "claim for benefits" shall mean a certification, after the close of a given week, that the requirements stated herein for eligibility for receipt of benefits have been met. (5) A representative designated by the commissioner shall take the application for initial determination and for the claim for waiting period credits or for benefits. When an application for initial determination has been made, the employment security department shall promptly make an initial determination which shall be a statement of the applicant's base year wages, weekly benefit amount, maximum amount of benefits potentially payable, and benefit year. Such determination shall fix the general conditions under which waiting period credit shall be granted and under which benefits shall be paid during any period of unemployment occurring within the benefit year fixed by such determination.
RCW 50.60.040 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 60 / Section 040
RCW 50.60.040: Compensation plan—Approval or rejection—Resubmission.
Status: in_force

The commissioner shall approve or reject a shared work compensation plan in writing within fifteen days of its receipt. The reasons for the rejection shall be final and nonappealable, but the rejection shall not prevent an employer from submitting another plan for approval not earlier than fifteen days after the date of a previous written rejection.
RCW 50A.15.090 — Washington Code / Title 50A / Chapter 15 / Section 090
RCW 50A.15.090: Repayment and recovery of benefit overpayments.
Status: in_force

(1) An individual who is paid any amount as benefits under this title to which he or she is not entitled shall, unless otherwise relieved pursuant to this section, be liable for repayment of the amount overpaid. The department shall issue an overpayment assessment setting forth the reasons for and the amount of the overpayment. The amount assessed, to the extent not collected, may be deducted from any future benefits payable to the individual: PROVIDED, That in the absence of a back pay award, a settlement affecting the allowance of benefits, fraud, misrepresentation, or willful nondisclosure, every determination of liability shall be mailed or personally served not later than two years after the close of or final payment made on the individual's applicable eligibility period for which the purported overpayment was made, whichever is later, unless the merits of the claim are subjected to administrative or judicial review in which event the period for serving the determination of liability shall be extended to allow service of the determination of liability during the six-month period following the final decision affecting the claim. (2) The commissioner may waive an overpayment if the commissioner finds that the overpayment was not the result of fraud, misrepresentation, willful nondisclosure, conditional payment, or fault attributable to the individual and that the recovery thereof would be against equity and good conscience. An overpayment waived under this subsection shall be charged against the individual's applicable entitlement for the eligibility period containing the weeks to which the overpayment was attributed as though such benefits had been properly paid. (3) Any assessment herein provided shall constitute a determination of liability from which an appeal may be had in the same manner and to the same extent as provided for appeals relating to determinations in respect to claims for benefits: PROVIDED, That an appeal from any determination covering overpayment only shall be deemed to be an appeal from the determination which was the basis for establishing the overpayment unless the merits involved in the issue set forth in such determination have already been heard and passed upon by the appeal tribunal. If no such appeal is taken to the appeal tribunal by the individual within thirty days of the delivery of the notice of determination of liability, or within thirty days of the mailing of the notice of determination, whichever is the earlier, the determination of liability shall be deemed conclusive and final. Whenever any such notice of determination of liability becomes conclusive and final, the commissioner, upon giving at least twenty days' notice, using a method by which the mailing can be tracked or the delivery can be confirmed, may file with the superior court clerk of any county within the state a warrant in the amount of the notice of determination of liability plus a filing fee under RCW 36.18.012 (10). The clerk of the county where the warrant is filed shall immediately designate a superior court cause number for the warrant, and the clerk shall cause to be entered in the judgment docket under the superior court cause number assigned to the warrant, the name of the person(s) mentioned in the warrant, the amount of the notice of determination of liability, and the date when the warrant was filed. The amount of the warrant as docketed shall become a lien upon the title to, and any interest in, all real and personal property of the person(s) against whom the warrant is issued, the same as a judgment in a civil case duly docketed in the office of such clerk. A warrant so docketed shall be sufficient to support the issuance of writs of execution and writs of garnishment in favor of the state in the manner provided by law for a civil judgment. A copy of the warrant shall be mailed within five days of its filing with the clerk to the person(s) mentioned in the warrant using a method by which the mailing can be tracked or the delivery can be confirmed. (4) Any employer who is a party to a back pay award or settlement due to loss of wages shall, within thirty days of the award or settlement, report to the department the amount of the award or settlement, the name and social security number of the recipient of the award or settlement, and the period for which it is awarded. When an individual has been awarded or receives back pay, for benefit purposes the amount of the back pay shall constitute wages paid in the period for which it was awarded. For premium purposes, the back pay award or settlement shall constitute wages paid in the period in which it was actually paid. The following requirements shall also apply: (a) The employer shall reduce the amount of the back pay award or settlement by an amount determined by the department based upon the amount of paid family or medical leave benefits received by the recipient of the award or settlement during the period for which the back pay award or settlement was awarded; (b) The employer shall pay to the paid family and medical leave fund, in a manner specified by the commissioner, an amount equal to the amount of such reduction; (c) The employer shall also pay to the department any premiums due for paid family and medical leave insurance purposes on the entire amount of the back pay award or settlement notwithstanding any reduction made pursuant to (a) of this subsection; (d) If the employer fails to reduce the amount of the back pay award or settlement as required in (a) of this subsection, the department shall issue an overpayment assessment against the recipient of the award or settlement in the amount that the back pay award or settlement should have been reduced; and (e) If the employer fails to pay to the department an amount equal to the reduction as required in (b) of this subsection, the department shall issue an assessment of liability against the employer that shall be collected pursuant to the procedures for collection of assessments provided herein and in RCW 50A.45.040 . (5) When an individual fails to repay an overpayment assessment that is due and fails to arrange for satisfactory repayment terms, the commissioner shall impose an interest penalty of one percent per month of the outstanding balance. Interest shall accrue immediately on overpayments assessed pursuant to RCW 50A.15.060 and shall be imposed when the assessment becomes final. For any other overpayment, interest shall accrue when the individual has missed two or more of the individual's monthly payments either partially or in full. (6) Any penalties and interest collected pursuant to this section must be deposited into the family and medical leave enforcement account. (7) The department shall: (a) Conduct social security number cross-match audits or engage in other more effective activities that ensure that individuals are entitled to all amounts of benefits that they are paid; and (b) engage in other detection and recovery of overpayment and collection activities.
RCW 50.32.030 — Washington Code / Title 50 / Chapter 32 / Section 030
RCW 50.32.030: Appeal from order and notice of assessment.
Status: in_force

When an order and notice of assessment has been served upon or mailed to a delinquent employer, as heretofore provided, such employer may within thirty days thereafter file a petition in writing with the appeal tribunal, stating that such assessment is unjust or incorrect and requesting a hearing thereon. Such petition shall set forth the reasons why the assessment is objected to and the amount of contributions, if any, which said employer admits to be due the employment security department. If no such petition be filed with the appeal tribunal within thirty days, the assessment shall be conclusively deemed to be just and correct: PROVIDED, That in such cases, and in cases where payment of contributions, interest, or penalties has been made pursuant to a jeopardy assessment, the commissioner may properly entertain a subsequent application for refund. The filing of a petition on a disputed assessment with the appeal tribunal shall stay the distraint and sale proceeding provided for in this title until a final decision thereon shall have been made, but the filing of such petition shall not affect the right of the commissioner to perfect a lien, as provided by this title, upon the property of the employer. The filing of a petition on a disputed assessment shall stay the accrual of interest and penalties on the disputed contributions until a final decision shall have been made thereon. Within thirty days after notice of denial of refund or adjustment has been mailed or delivered (whichever is the earlier) to an employer, the employer may file a petition in writing with the appeal tribunal for a hearing thereon: PROVIDED, That this right shall not apply in those cases in which assessments have been appealed from and have become final. The petitioner shall set forth the reasons why such hearing should be granted and the amount which the petitioner believes should be adjusted or refunded. If no such petition be filed within said thirty days, the determination of the commissioner as stated in said notice shall be final.