The bill amends the Michigan Employment Security Act to clarify the disqualification criteria for unemployment benefits. It introduces new language specifying that individuals may be disqualified for reasons such as voluntarily leaving work without good cause, being suspended or discharged for misconduct, and failing to seek suitable work. A rebuttable presumption is established, indicating that individuals who reduce their work status to less than full-time or are absent for three consecutive days without notifying their employer are considered to have left work voluntarily without good cause. Additionally, the burden of proof is placed on individuals to demonstrate that their departure from work was involuntary or for good cause.

The bill also modifies provisions related to medical disqualifications due to COVID-19, allowing those who self-isolate or self-quarantine for health reasons to be classified as having left work involuntarily. It ensures that benefits for individuals leaving work under specific circumstances, such as military duty or domestic violence, will not impact the employer's experience account. Furthermore, it outlines the conditions under which work is deemed suitable and establishes guidelines for individuals refusing work without losing benefits. The bill includes a temporary provision for those leaving work for permanent full-time employment to remain eligible for benefits, even if they do not perform services for the new employer.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 421.29