(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 (1)(b)(iv) or (2)(b)(iv), 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.
(i) Until December 31, 2023, the evidence must demonstrate contacts with at least three employers per week or documented in-person job search activities at the local reemployment center at least three times per week, or as otherwise directed by the employment security department to meet the intent of rigorous reemployment efforts.
(ii) On or after January 1, 2024, 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.
(c) In developing the requirements for job search monitoring, the commissioner or the commissioner's agents shall utilize 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.
[ 2021 c 82 § 1; 2019 c 50 § 3; 2006 c 13 § 16. Prior: 2004 c 110 § 1; 2003 2nd sp.s. c 4 § 10; 2002 c 8 § 3; 1998 c 161 § 4.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 50.20.050 was amended twice during the 2009 legislative session, changing the subsection numbering.
Report—Impacts of any flexibilities utilized in claimant job search methods, monitoring, and outcomes—2021 c 82: "By December 1, 2022, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036, the employment security department must submit a report to the legislature that details the impacts of any flexibilities utilized in claimant job search methods, monitoring, and outcomes." [ 2021 c 82 § 2.]
Conflict with federal requirements—2021 c 82: "If any part of this act is found to be in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state or the eligibility of employers in this state for federal unemployment tax credits, the conflicting part of this act is inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict, and the finding or determination does not affect the operation of the remainder of this act. Rules adopted under this act must meet federal requirements that are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state or the granting of federal unemployment tax credits to employers in this state." [ 2021 c 82 § 4.]
Effective date—2021 c 82: "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 [April 16, 2021]." [ 2021 c 82 § 5.]
Applicability—2019 c 50 §§ 1-3: See note following RCW 50.20.010.
Retroactive application—2006 c 13 §§ 8-22: See note following RCW 50.04.293.
Conflict with federal requirements—Part headings not law—Severability—2006 c 13: See notes following RCW 50.20.120.
Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—Effective date—2003 2nd sp.s. c 4: See notes following RCW 50.01.010.
Finding—Intent—1998 c 161: See note following RCW 50.20.140.