Sets out legislative findings related to the Governor’s Executive Orders that extended unemployment benefits, finds the orders invalid, and ratifies and validates the effect of Executive Order No. 113, which extended benefits through February 29, 2012. Declares any executive order issued by the Governor to extend unemployment insurance benefits void, unless the order is based on authority expressly conferred by the General Assembly or by the US Congress.
Amends Section 6.16(d) (three year look-back period for unemployment insurance) in the Appropriations Act of 2011 to extend the sunset on the three year look-back provision to January 1, 2013. Makes conforming changes to GS 96-12.01(a1)(4)c.3. and GS 96-12.01(a1)(4)e. Applies retroactively to January 1, 2012.
Amends GS 96-14(2) (concerning disqualification for benefits) to clarify and expand the definition for “discharge for misconduct connected with the work” and the acts and conduct included within that definition. Amends GS 96-15(b)(2) (concerning claims for benefits) to provide any interested employer 10 days (currently, 30 days) to protest a claim, following delivery of notice (currently, following the earlier of mailing or delivery of notice) of the filing of a claim against the employer’s account. Makes clarifying changes to GS 96-15(f), providing for appeal to the Board of Review if a stipulation of issues is rejected. Makes these provisions effective November 1, 2012.
Amends GS 110-129.2(j) (concerning the New Hire Directory) to add the definition for newly hired employee, to conform to federal law, and makes a conforming change to GS 110-129.2(c). Effective July 1, 2012.