SB1899 Summary

• Amendments to the Public Employment Office Act prohibit the Department of Employment Security from charging fees to job applicants, with an exception allowing referrals to apprenticeship programs with application fees of $50 or less and allowing Department attendance at hiring events hosted by others where the Department receives no fee portion.

• Amendments to the State Tax Lien Registration Act expand the lien system to include liens filed by the Department of Employment Security, effective January 1, 2020, in addition to liens by the Department of Revenue.

• Amendments to the Unemployment Insurance Act change benefit year thresholds from 2020 to 2022 and adjust weekly benefit calculations from 40.3% to 40.6% of prior average weekly wage, maximum benefit amounts from 49.3% to 49.6% for individuals with nonworking spouses, and maximum total benefits from 24 to 24 times weekly benefit amount for benefit years beginning in calendar year 2022.

• Amendments to unemployment contribution rates increase the state experience factor surcharge to 22% absolute for calendar year 2022 (previously 21% for 2020) and establish a new Lien Registry system for Department of Employment Security liens filed on or after January 1, 2020.

• Repeals Section 1900.2 of the Unemployment Insurance Act.