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House approves reorganization creating Department of Workforce Services, separating labor commission appeals
Summary
The House passed substitute SSB166 (65–0), reorganizing workforce-related offices into a Department of Workforce Services while creating a separate labor commission structure with a single commissioner and a three-member appeals board.
Representative Alexander described substitute Senate Bill 166 as the culmination of a year of work to consolidate employment, family support, job training and child-care oversight into a Department of Workforce Services while creating a separate labor (formerly Industrial) commission structure.
Key structural changes include an executive director model for labor administration and a part-time three-member appeals board to hear disputes; the appeals board will include representation from labor and business and a governor-appointed member. Supporters said the reorganization was negotiated with labor, business and the governor’s office and would separate daily administration from adjudication.
Members commended the lengthy negotiations and cross-stakeholder work. Representative Alexander said the bill "will be a large benefit" and that ongoing adjustments are expected as the new structure begins operation.
The House voted to pass SSB166 unanimously, 65–0, and the measure was read by title and signed into the House journal on March 4, 1997.
What’s next: The bill moves forward with House passage; implementing rules, appointments to the appeals board and administrative transition will follow under statute and agency rulemaking.
