50.12.010 - Commissioner's duties and powers.

Commissioner's duties and powers.

(1) The commissioner shall administer this title. He or she shall have the power and authority to adopt, amend, or rescind such rules and regulations, to employ such persons, make such expenditures, require such reports, make such investigations, and take such other action as he or she deems necessary or suitable to that end. Such rules and regulations shall be effective upon publication and in the manner, not inconsistent with the provisions of this title, which the commissioner shall prescribe. The commissioner, in accordance with the provisions of this title, shall determine the organization and methods of procedure of the divisions referred to in this title, and shall have an official seal which shall be judicially noticed. The commissioner shall submit to the governor a report covering the administration and operation of this title during the preceding fiscal year, July 1st through June 30th, and shall make such recommendations for amendments to this title as he or she deems proper. Such report shall include a balance sheet of the moneys in the fund in which there shall be provided, if possible, a reserve against the liability in future years to pay benefits in excess of the then current contributions, which reserve shall be set up by the commissioner in accordance with accepted actuarial principles on the basis of statistics of employment, business activity, and other relevant factors for the longest possible period. Whenever the commissioner believes that a change in contribution or benefit rates will become necessary to protect the solvency of the fund, he or she shall promptly so inform the governor and legislature and make recommendations with respect thereto.

     (2) There is established a unit within the department for the purpose of detection and investigation of fraud under this title. The department will employ supervisory and investigative personnel for the program, who must be qualified by training and experience.

     (3) The commissioner or the commissioner's duly authorized designee is authorized to receive criminal history record information that includes nonconviction data for any purpose associated with the investigation for abuse or fraud under chapter 50.20 RCW. Dissemination or use of nonconviction data for purposes other than that authorized in this section is prohibited.

[2010 c 8 § 13013; 2008 c 74 § 5; 1977 c 75 § 75; 1955 c 286 § 1; 1949 c 214 § 7; 1945 c 35 § 40; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 9998-178. Prior: 1943 c 127 § 8; 1941 c 253 § 8; 1939 c 12 § 2.]

Notes: Finding -- 2008 c 74: See note following RCW 51.04.024.