Governor signs Benton's bill to ensure employees of organizations exempt from the unemployment tax are aware they may not collect benefits.

May 9, 2007

OLYMPIA…A bill to ensure employees not eligible for unemployment benefits are notified of this fact by their employer was signed into law today. The measure, Substitute Senate Bill 5702, was sponsored by Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver. 

Under SSB 5702, employers exempt from the unemployment tax must provide a written notice of this exclusion at the time of hire, and display a poster giving notice of this exclusion in a conspicuous place.  

“It is only fair that people who take a job with an exempt organization know that they are not eligible for unemployment benefits should they get laid off,” Benton said. “People should not be surprised, as one of my constituents was, about something that is often an important consideration when accepting a job.” 

The provisions of SSB 5702 take effect July 22, 2007.

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Additional contact Penny Drost at (360) 786-7522
or drost.penny@leg.wa.gov