The bill amends the Michigan Employment Security Act, specifically section 62, to clarify the procedures for recovering improperly paid unemployment benefits. It allows the unemployment insurance agency to recover benefits deemed improperly received through various methods, including deductions from future benefits or wages, cash payments, or tax refund deductions. The agency is required to issue a restitution determination within three years of the final decision regarding benefit entitlement, with specific provisions for cases involving identity fraud or intentional misrepresentation. Additionally, the bill stipulates that recovery efforts cannot begin until the agency has assessed the claimant's eligibility for a waiver of restitution.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new requirements for the unemployment insurance agency regarding the determination of intentional false statements or misrepresentations. It mandates that such determinations cannot be based solely on discrepancies identified by a computer system; a thorough examination of facts must be conducted. The agency is also required to provide annual reports on waiver applications and their outcomes to legislative committees. The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring that claimants are informed of their rights and the implications of any determinations made regarding their benefits.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 421.62