MI HB6478

Requires the unemployment agency to cease collecting and promptly refund all restitution and interest payments already made by individuals when a waiver of collection is granted, rather than applying waivers only prospectively.

Modifies the poverty-based waiver provision to allow refunds of payments made after a waiver application is filed, and removes the requirement to consider future applications within 6 months of a prior application.

Clarifies that when the unemployment agency waives restitution and interest (except in intentional fraud cases), it must refund all previously paid amounts in addition to ceasing collection efforts.

Adds the word "unemployment" before "agency" in multiple locations throughout the statute for clarification and consistency.

Requires annual written reports to legislative committees by January 31 (beginning 2019) detailing waiver procedures, application numbers, approval and denial counts by decision method, and total restitution waived amounts.