This bill allows the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to temporarily appoint three additional members to the Board of Review within the Division of Employment Security, expanding the board's membership from three to six. The commissioner can utilize two methods for these appointments: either by making interim appointments of State employees who hold full-time positions or by appointing individuals who do not have full-time State employment to an intermittent title. With the increased membership, the commissioner will create two separate panels from the six members, each capable of independently acting as a final appeals board for benefit disputes, including appeals related to demands for refunds of benefits.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law by removing the restriction that prevents any board member from participating in cases where they are considered an interested party. This change aims to enhance the operational flexibility of the Board of Review, allowing for a more efficient handling of appeals and disputes within the Division of Employment Security.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:13A-3, 34:1A-19