MI SB0981

Amends the Michigan Employment Security Act to update terminology, with "unemployment insurance agency" replacing "bureau," "commission," and related terms throughout the act.

Establishes a claimant and employer advocacy assistance program funded up to $1,500,000 annually from the penalty and interest account, with representation capped at 60% for claimants and 40% for employers, requiring legislative appropriation or the nonchargeable benefits component reduction takes effect.

Clarifies the director of the unemployment insurance agency is appointed by the governor and receives annual salary plus actual and necessary expenses paid from the administration fund.

Creates an obligation trust fund as a separate state treasury account for deposit of obligation assessments, interest, penalties, and proceeds from obligations issued under section 26a, continuously appropriated for specified purposes.

Repeals sections 3a, 4a, 6, and 6b-7 of the original act and conditions the bill's effectiveness on enactment of Senate Bill No. 40, with an effective date of April 2, 2025.