The bill amends the Michigan Employment Security Act, specifically section 29, to clarify the conditions under which individuals may be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits. It introduces specific disqualifying circumstances, such as voluntarily leaving work without good cause attributable to the employer, being absent for three consecutive workdays without contact, and failing to diligently apply for suitable work. A rebuttable presumption is established for individuals who do not attend scheduled job interviews or fail to report for work within the first 91 days of employment without notice, indicating they have not applied diligently for available work. Exceptions to disqualification are also outlined, including provisions for those leaving unsuitable work within 60 days, spouses of military personnel reassigned, and individuals leaving work due to medical reasons or COVID-19-related circumstances.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the conditions under which benefits may be reduced or denied for disqualifying acts or discharges, specifying that benefits payable in a later year based on employment with a disqualifying employer will be charged to a nonchargeable benefits account. It introduces new provisions regarding suitable work determination and conditions under which individuals may refuse work without losing benefits, emphasizing that work is not suitable if it is significantly less favorable than prevailing conditions or requires joining a company union. The bill also clarifies disqualification criteria related to labor disputes and states that individuals leaving work for permanent full-time employment with another employer are not subject to disqualification under certain conditions. Notably, it removes a temporary provision that allowed individuals to be considered eligible for benefits under specific circumstances during a defined period in 2020.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 421.29