The bill amends the Michigan Employment Security Act, specifically section 29, to clarify the disqualification criteria for unemployment benefits. It introduces new language that outlines various disqualifying circumstances, such as voluntary resignation without good cause, misconduct, and failure to seek suitable work. A significant change is the establishment of a rebuttable presumption that individuals who reduce their working status to less than full-time have voluntarily left work without good cause. Additionally, individuals leaving work for medical reasons must demonstrate they have taken specific steps to address their health concerns. The bill also includes provisions for individuals who left work due to COVID-19, allowing them to be considered as having left involuntarily for medical reasons.

Furthermore, the bill details the requalification process for disqualified individuals, including the requirement to earn a specified amount in subsequent employment to regain eligibility for benefits. It specifies that for benefit years established on or after October 1, 2000, individuals disqualified under certain subsections will have their maximum weeks of benefits reduced based on requalifying weeks or remaining entitlement. The bill clarifies that individuals leaving work to accept permanent full-time employment or a recall from a former employer will not face disqualification. It also mandates the unemployment insurance agency to consider various factors, such as health risks and local job prospects, when determining the suitability of work, and introduces provisions regarding disqualification due to ongoing labor disputes.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 421.29