MI HB5552

Creates the office of the unemployment insurance advocate within the legislative council, appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the council.

Authorize the advocate to investigate complaints from claimants or employers concerning unemployment agency administrative acts, answer claimant questions about benefits eligibility and status, and investigate employer unemployment tax matters.

Grant the advocate access to unemployment agency information, records, and documents necessary for investigations, subject to written authorization of representation; authorize informal hearings in person, by telephone, or virtual meeting.

Require the advocate to notify complainants and the unemployment agency within 10 days of receiving a complaint whether an investigation will be conducted, and submit investigation reports with findings and recommendations to the council within 30 days.

Prohibit the unemployment agency from penalizing complainants for filing complaints or cooperating with investigations; establish confidentiality protections for correspondence and personal identifying information; tie enactment to passage of House Bills 5549 and 5554.