UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS; DOMESTIC VIOLENCE S.B. 975:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 975 (as introduced 7-30-24)
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Employment Security Act to allow an individual who was a victim of domestic violence to still be considered qualified for unemployment benefits after leaving work voluntarily if the individual left work because of that domestic violence.
Generally, the Act requires the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) to pay an eligible unemployed individual specified benefit amounts after the individual makes a claim for benefits and while the individual seeks work. The Act disqualifies an individual who left work voluntarily without good cause from receiving benefits; however, the Act exempts certain individuals from this disqualification.
Previously, an individual who left work voluntarily without good cause was still considered qualified for benefits if the individual was a victim of domestic violence and demonstrated to the UIA that the individual needed to discontinue employment or relocate to avoid further domestic violence or recover.[1] This exemption from disqualification sunset on March 31, 2021. The bill would reinstate this exemption from disqualification on its effective date.
MCL 421.29 Legislative Analyst: Alex Krabill
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Cory Savino, PhD
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
[1] See MCL 421.29a for more information concerning the exception for domestic violence.
SAS\S2324\s975sa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.