NC H22

Establishes the Board of Review (BOR) as an independent entity within the Division of Employment Security with three governor-appointed members (representing employees, employers, and the general public) subject to General Assembly confirmation.

Requires BOR to be supported by dedicated legal and administrative staff reporting to the BOR chair rather than the Department, ensuring operational independence from the Governor, General Assembly, Department, and Division.

Mandates transfer of at least two attorney and four administrative staff positions to BOR control, with minimum funding of $415,000 for fiscal year 2017-2018 from unemployment insurance administration funds.

Requires BOR to adopt policies, procedures, and standards for appeals by October 1, 2017, and to track specific performance data including Superior Court reversals, staff attorney recommendations, case remands, and deviations between staff recommendations and BOR determinations.

Effective July 1, 2017, with Department reporting to relevant legislative committees by October 1, 2017.