MI SB1198

Adds section 27d to the Michigan Employment Security Act to establish a self-employment assistance program allowing individuals identified as likely to exhaust regular unemployment compensation to participate in approved entrepreneurial training, business counseling, and technical assistance.

Provides self-employment assistance allowance equal to the weekly benefit amount for regular unemployment compensation, paid in lieu of regular benefits, with combined allowance and regular compensation not exceeding the maximum benefit amount for the benefit year.

Exempts participants from standard unemployment insurance requirements regarding availability for work, active job search, and refusal to accept work, and excludes self-employment income from being counted against benefits under section 27(c)(2).

Limits participation to no more than 5% of individuals receiving regular unemployment compensation at any time, with the unemployment agency establishing guidelines to maintain this cap.

Applies to benefit weeks beginning after January 5, 2013, and is contingent upon Senate Bill No. 1199 of the 96th Legislature being enacted into law.