Bill would require notice to striking workers about potential UI overpayment when they later receive retroactive wages

Senate Bill 61 34 would require the Employment Security Department to provide notice to striking workers who apply for unemployment benefits that retroactive wages received later could trigger an overpayment assessment.

Committee staff Susan Jones explained the bill’s background: last year’s changes allow certain striking workers to receive unemployment benefits under specified circumstances; when retroactive wages are later paid, ESD must assess overpayments and try to recover benefits. The bill would require a notice—via an acknowledgment box on the application, a letter, or another ESD‑determined method—so applicants understand the risk they may have to repay benefits if retroactive pay is later received. The fiscal note shows no fiscal impact.

Sponsor Senator King described the bill as a straightforward consumer‑protection and transparency measure so striking workers are informed about repayment obligations tied to retroactive settlements. Elizabeth New of the Washington Policy Center supported the bill, noting current ESD procedures may not always inform applicants and that less than half of overpayments are recouped, which could harm the UI trust fund and workers who unexpectedly owe money.

The committee closed the hearing after a single witness and recorded a large pro signature count in the public record.