NC S17

Validates unemployment insurance appeals decisions issued by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the Division of Employment Security and the three Board of Review members appointed in December 2013, effective retroactively to November 1, 2011.

Establishes the Board of Review as an independent body consisting of three members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the General Assembly, with one member each representing employees, employers, and the general public (who serves as chair and must be a licensed attorney).

Creates staggered four-year terms for Board of Review members with no individual serving more than two terms, with current member terms expiring June 30, 2015 (employers), June 30, 2016 (employees), and June 30, 2017 (general public).

Requires the Secretary of Commerce and Board of Review Chair to submit a detailed report by May 1, 2015 on measures ensuring Board of Review staff independence, staffing levels, position classifications, and staff duty allocations.

Repeals previous appointment process provisions and establishes new procedures for Governor nominations requiring confirmation by May 30 annually, with the General Assembly able to appoint members if the Governor fails to submit timely nominations.