NC H859

Establishes a 13-member Legislative Study Committee on Unemployment Insurance in North Carolina to conduct a comprehensive review of the state's unemployment insurance program, with appointments made by October 1, 2021.

Committee membership includes 3 representatives each from employees/labor organizations and employers/trade organizations (appointed by Governor), 3 from Senate (2 legislators including minority representation, 1 public member), 3 from House (2 legislators including minority representation, 1 public member), and 1 elected by committee members.

Committee must compare North Carolina's UI program administration, benefits, and performance to the 9 most populous states (California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Michigan) and 7 southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee).

Committee shall review benefit adequacy and duration, assess modifications needed to improve UI program effectiveness and efficiency, and must accompany any policy recommendations with specific legislative proposals and implementation costs.

Initial report due to Governor and Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations by March 1, 2022; final report due prior to 2023 General Assembly convening; committee expires upon final report submission unless extended by legislature.