NC H961

Establishes the Board of Review (BOR) within the Division of Employment Security with independent status separate from the Governor, General Assembly, Department of Commerce, and Division.

Provides the BOR with dedicated legal and administrative staff (minimum 2 attorneys and 4 administrative staff) that report to the BOR chair to ensure operational independence.

Allocates minimum $415,000 in funding for fiscal year 2016-2017 to cover BOR staff costs through a separate fund code within the Division of Employment Security budget.

Requires the BOR to adopt policies, procedures, and standards for appeals operations by October 1, 2016, and establish data tracking for court reversals, staff attorney recommendations, remanded cases, and deviations between staff recommendations and BOR determinations by November 1, 2016.

Effective July 1, 2016, with the Department required to report on staff and fund transfers by October 1, 2016.