The bill revises unemployment insurance qualifications for individuals who voluntarily leave their jobs, introducing a new definition for "vulnerable adult" and establishing specific conditions under which a claimant may be deemed to have "good cause" for leaving work without losing benefits. Notable provisions include allowing claims for caregiving related to vulnerable adults and the relocation of claimants to follow a minor child. Additionally, for separations occurring on or after July 7, 2024, claimants will not be disqualified if their employer significantly alters their work schedule without request.

The bill also modifies existing laws to clarify how benefits are charged to employers' experience rating accounts, ensuring that benefits related to caregiving for children or vulnerable adults do not impact employers negatively. It includes provisions for public health emergencies, allowing healthcare workers who are quarantined due to exposure to receive benefits without affecting their employer's experience rating. Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for benefit charge relief for employers, requiring written requests within 30 days of claim notifications and stipulating that inaccuracies in reporting by employers will result in charges to their accounts. Lastly, the Employment Security Department is tasked with reporting to the legislature by November 1, 2028, on the impact of unemployment insurance claims, while ensuring compliance with federal requirements.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 74.34.020, 50.29.021
Substitute Bill: 74.34.020, 50.29.021
Engrossed Substitute: 74.34.020, 50.29.021
Bill as Passed Legislature: 74.34.020, 50.29.021
Session Law: 74.34.020, 50.29.021