WI SB486

Repeals the "substantial fault" provision that currently disqualifies workers from unemployment insurance benefits when terminated for acts violating reasonable employer requirements

Eliminates the mandatory drug testing program for unemployment insurance applicants and repeals provisions allowing employers to submit preemployment drug test results to disqualify claimants

Modifies the misconduct definition for unemployment insurance by removing "excessive tardiness" as a standalone category and requiring that absenteeism/tardiness be evaluated under the common law misconduct standard rather than employer-created policies

Reverses the Bevco court decision by preventing employers from establishing their own policies for determining whether an employee's reasons for absenteeism or tardiness were valid

Takes effect January 4, 2026, with drug testing provisions taking effect on the first Sunday after publication