IL SB3530

Establishes a Short-Time Compensation Program allowing employers to reduce employee hours by 20-60% while workers receive unemployment benefits to offset lost wages, with plans lasting up to 12 months and requiring employer certifications regarding employee notification, union approval, and maintenance of health/retirement benefits.

Amends the Public Employment Office Act to permit referral of individuals to apprenticeship programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor that charge application fees of $50 or less.

Clarifies employment status for newspaper and shopping news delivery by creating a four-element test where delivery/distribution is not employment if at least one element is present (worker profits/losses, worker is not represented as employee, worker hires own helpers without approval, or worker operates free from direction/control after leaving premises).

Modifies unemployment insurance rules for employee leasing companies to require irrevocable indemnification with surety bonds or letters of credit (not exceeding $1,000,000) to protect the state against company obligations.

Changes employer reporting thresholds from 50 to 25+ employees for electronic filing of ineligibility allegations; establishes $50 processing fees for non-compliant wage reports and payments; modifies refund procedures to give employers 3 years from director notification to claim erroneous contribution refunds; and changes interest statement frequency from quarterly to semi-annually.