2023 Senate Bill 40

AI Analysis – Experimental

SB 40 proposes significant amendments to the Michigan Employment Security Act, particularly revising section 27 to enhance unemployment benefits. The bill outlines a new method for calculating weekly benefit rates at 4.1% of an individual's highest quarterly wages, with an additional $6.00 for each dependent up to five, and includes provisions for future adjustments. It defines dependents broadly, introduces penalties for fraudulent dependent claims, and maintains the number of dependents constant throughout the benefit year. The bill also specifies conditions under which benefits are payable, adjusts the duration of benefits, and details the treatment of unemployment benefits in relation to retirement benefits. It addresses eligibility for vocational training benefits post-exhaustion of unemployment benefits, clarifies conditions for employment in educational institutions, and outlines the treatment of unemployment claims for educational service agency employees. Furthermore, it specifies conditions under which benefits are not payable, introduces provisions for deducting child support obligations from unemployment compensation, and includes specific provisions for school bus drivers employed by private contributing employers and seasonal workers. The bill also details the process for employers to be designated as seasonal, including the requirement for conspicuous notice posting and provisions for retroactive benefits under certain conditions, with additional rules for terminating or contesting seasonal employer status. This comprehensive amendment aims to ensure equitable benefit distribution, prevent undue charges to employers, and address the unique circumstances of seasonal and educational institution employment, while ensuring compliance with child support enforcement. The additional context provided does not necessitate changes to the original summary, as it remains comprehensive and concise.