MI SB1079

Establishes that individuals leaving part-time work to accept other part-time work with better hourly wages, more hours at equal wages, or superior fringe benefits are not disqualified from unemployment benefits.

Benefits paid for part-time employment separations meeting these conditions are charged to the nonchargeable benefits account rather than the departing employer's account.

Requires individuals earning at least 70% of their previous gross pay rate to accept suitable work offers or face benefit denial, effective January 15, 2012.

After an individual has received 50% of their benefit weeks in a benefit year, work is considered suitable if it meets minimum wage, prevailing mean wage standards for the locality, and equals 120% or more of the individual's weekly benefit amount.

Maintains existing disqualification and requalification provisions for other separation reasons including misconduct, voluntary quitting without good cause, and failure to apply for suitable work.