The bill amends the Michigan Employment Security Act to modernize unemployment benefits, introducing new maximum weekly benefit rates and adjustments for dependents starting January 1, 2025. The maximum weekly benefit will be set at $446.00, increasing to $530.00 by January 1, 2026, and $614.00 by January 1, 2027. Additionally, the bill updates language to be more inclusive, replacing terms like "husband or wife" with "spouse" and "father or mother" with "parent." It also clarifies the conditions for benefit eligibility, including the requirement for individuals to remain unemployed and file claims regularly, and ensures that retirement benefits do not unfairly penalize claimants.

Further provisions address the relationship between retirement benefits and unemployment compensation, specifying that if a claimant's retirement benefit equals or exceeds their unemployment benefit rate, they will be ineligible for unemployment benefits. The bill also outlines eligibility criteria for seasonal workers, ensuring benefits are only available during the normal seasonal work period and requiring employers to notify employees of their seasonal status. Additionally, it mandates adjustments to benefit amounts based on the Consumer Price Index starting in 2026 and establishes that the extension of benefits is contingent upon the appropriation of $220 million for the unemployment compensation fund.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 421.27