AR SB790

Individuals discharged for testing positive for illegal drugs on a DOT-qualified drug screen are disqualified from unemployment benefits until earning 35 times their weekly benefit amount in two quarters and passing a negative drug screen test.

Weekly benefits after such a drug-related discharge are terminated within the benefit year of the claim, and benefits are not charged to the discharging employer if based on pre-discharge wages.

Employer liability determinations for unemployment insurance coverage are conclusive within 30 calendar days unless the employer requests an administrative determination, with director discretion to extend deadlines due to circumstances beyond the employer's control.

The stabilization tax period for funding the Department of Workforce Services Training Trust Fund and Unemployment Insurance Administration Fund is extended from June 30, 2015, to June 30, 2019.

Relief from billing for nonprofits and governmental entities is denied if benefit overpayments result from employer failure to respond timely to Department of Workforce Services requests and a pattern of non-response is established; federal tax refunds may be intercepted for unpaid employer contributions under the Claims Resolution Act of 2010.