Senate Bill 2124 Summary

• Excludes individuals receiving voluntary payments from employers equal to regular wages and those on administrative leave from the definition of "unemployment" for benefit eligibility purposes.

• Authorizes the Executive Director of the Department of Employment Security to designate department employees to determine incorrect employer reports, assess contributions based on best available information, and assess penalties for noncompliant employers.

• Grants the Executive Director discretion to abate accrued interest on past-due contributions or overpayments when negotiating settlements of delinquent amounts.

• Clarifies that tax offset collection efforts involve both the Mississippi Department of Revenue and the United States Department of Treasury.

• Requires a 2% increase in unemployment insurance tax rate for persons acquiring a business solely to obtain a lower contribution rate, in addition to other penalties.