UI MODIFICATIONS/INCREASE BENEFITS/FUNDS.

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View NCGA Bill Details2019-2020 Session
House Bill 1075 (Public) Filed Thursday, May 14, 2020
AN ACT AMENDING THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY LAWS BY INCREASING BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY TO A TWENTY-SIX WEEK PERIOD AND THE MAXIMUM WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNT TO FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS, BASING THE CALCULATION OF THE BENEFIT AMOUNT ON THE AVERAGE OF THE TWO HIGHEST PAID QUARTERS, PROVIDING BENEFITS IN CASES WHERE AN INDIVIDUAL LEAVES EMPLOYMENT FOR SPOUSAL RELOCATION OR HEALTH REASONS OR DUE TO AN UNDUE HARDSHIP, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THESE CHANGES; AND AUTHORIZING THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A SHORT-TERM COMPENSATION PROGRAM TO BENEFIT EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
Intro. by Alston, Batch, Holley, Hunt.

Status: Ref to the Com on Finance, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House (House action) (May 14 2020)

SOG comments (1):

Identical bill

Identical to S 792, filed 5/14/2020.

H 1075

Bill Summaries:

  • Summary date: May 14 2020 - View Summary

    Amends GS 96-14.2, changing the weekly benefit amount for total unemployment. Now, provides for the weekly benefit amount to equal the average of the wages paid to the individual in the two highest paid quarters of the individual's base period divided by 52 and rounded to the next lower whole dollar (previously, was equal to the wages paid in the last two completed quarters of the individual's base period, divided and rounded as described). Also increases the cap for the weekly benefit amount from $350 to $450.

    Amends GS 96-14.3, eliminating the current duration parameters for unemployment benefits. Instead, establishes a standard maximum period of 26 weeks for any eligible individual entitled to receive unemployment benefits, unless expressly extended by state or federal law. Makes conforming changes to the total allowable benefits amount.

    Amends GS 96-14.8 to expand the reasons for leaving work provided which do not disqualify an individual for benefits, and which are not chargeable to the employer's account. Adds instances where an individual leaves work due solely to a disability incurred or other health condition, whether or not related to work, so long as the individual shows an adequate disability of the employee, a minor in the legal custody of the individual, an aged or disabled parent of the individual, or a disabled member of the individual's immediate family, at the time of leaving, that prevented the employee from doing the greater of other alternative work at minimum wage or 85 percent of the individual's regular wage, and that the individual gave the employer reasonable notice of the disability or health condition. Adds instances where an individual is unable to accept a particular shift due to inability to obtain child care for a minor under 14 years of age in the legal custody of the individual or elder care for an aged or disabled parent of the individual. Finally, adds instances where an individual leaves work to accompany a spouse to a new place of residence where the spouse has secured work in a location that is too far removed for the claimant reasonably to continue to work.

    The above provisions apply to claims for unemployment insurance benefits filed on or after the date the act becomes law.

    Appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the Division of Employment Security for the 2020-21 fiscal year to conduct a statewide public information campaign concerning the act's modifications. Effective July 1, 2020.

    Directs the Legislative Research Commission to study the feasibility of establishing an unemployment insurance work-sharing or short-term compensation program and report to the 2021 General Assembly upon its regular convening.