SB575 Summary

• Amends unemployment insurance disqualification standards to clarify that individuals discharged for absenteeism under a bona fide written attendance policy with progressive warnings shall be disqualified for misconduct, and establishes that poor performance is only misconduct if the employer proves it was intentional.

• Modifies overpayment penalties for fraudulent claims from 10% to 15% of the overpayment amount (waivable if repaid within one year) and allows the Department of Workforce Services to recover overpayments through income tax refund interception and deductions from future benefits.

• Updates shared work unemployment compensation plan requirements to include verification that plan terms comply with federal and state laws, clarifies employee training eligibility, and requires employers to furnish reports and allow director access to records.

• Adds new provision denying relief from charges to employers who fail to timely respond to Department of Workforce Services information requests and have established a pattern of such failures.

• Declares an emergency and makes the act effective July 1, 2013, citing the need to ensure prompt claims determination and maintain federal law conformity.