ESD files permanent rulemaking steps for State WARN documentation and work‑registration rules

The Employment Security Department told the advisory committee it completed rulemaking steps this fall to finalize several rules prompted by recent legislation and implementation needs.

Stephanie Frazee summarized three items: a documentation‑for‑exceptions rule tied to the State WARN Act (CR103 filed Sept. 9; effective Oct. 10), an update to WAC 192‑180‑0005 requiring claimants to register for work (CR103 filed Sept. 8; effective Oct. 9), and the emergency work‑search rule for claimants on strike (filed Aug. 21) with a CR101 filed Sept. 1 to begin permanent rulemaking.

Frazee said the WARN documentation rule provides guidance to employers about what evidence to supply when seeking an exception to the notice requirement and that the registration rule brings agency practice more in line with state statute. She said hearings were held in June and the department submitted final rule packages in September.

The committee did not raise questions after Frazee's update; the department will publish rule texts and effective dates in the agency register and update guidance materials for employers and claimants.