Senate Bill 252 Summary

• Adds Section 29a to the Michigan Employment Security Act creating a domestic violence exception to the voluntary job leaving disqualification rule, allowing victims of domestic violence to leave work without losing unemployment benefits.

• Permits individuals to qualify for benefits if they demonstrate domestic violence including reasonable fear of future violence at work, need to relocate, need to address physical/psychological/legal effects, or requirement to leave employment for shelter services.

• Establishes acceptable documentation types for proving domestic violence including restraining orders, police records, medical documentation, convictions of perpetrator, or statements from counselors, social workers, clergy, or other professionals.

• Requires the Employment Security Commission to keep all evidence of domestic violence confidential and not disclose any statements or corroborating evidence provided by claimants.

• Defines "domestic violence" as causing or attempting to cause physical/mental harm, placing in fear of harm, forcing involuntary sexual activity, or engaging in terrorizing/intimidating activity toward a family or household member; applies to spouses, former spouses, current/former residents, dating partners, and related individuals.

• Effective date: 90 days after enactment.