Topic: Re-opening period for fraud cases Sponsor: Representative Martin Howrylak (R) Introduced: October 24, 2017 Status: Signed into law December 20, 2017 Effective Date: July 1, 2018 Link to Legislation (read legislative history and the final Act here) ISSUES WITH CURRENT LAW: Currently, the Agency only sends notices to the claimant’s last known address, which… Read More »
Topic: ID Theft Protections Sponsor: Representative Diana Farrington (R) Introduced: October 24, 2017 Status: Enacted December 21, 2017 Effective Date: March 21, 2018 Link to Legislation (read legislative history and the final Act here) ISSUES WITH CURRENT LAW: The current law does not require the Agency to use all information provided by individuals applying for… Read More »
Topic: Advocacy Program Sponsor: Representative Wendell Byrd (D) Introduced: October 24, 2017 Status: Enacted December 21, 2017 Effective Date: July 1, 2018 Link to Legislation (legislative history and final version of Act) ISSUES WITH CURRENT LAW: The commission provides an advocacy program to provide claimants and employers advocacy assistance. However, this is not extended to… Read More »
House Bill 5166 Topic: Fraud Penalty Sponsor: Representative Kevin Hertel (D) Introduced: October 24, 2017 Status: Enacted December 21, 2017 Effective Date: July 1, 2018 ISSUES WITH CURRENT LAW: Michigan’s current penalty rate for unemployment insurance fraud is up to 400% of the overpayment. WHAT THE NEW BILL DOES: To impose fairer penalties for fraud… Read More »
House Bill 5171 Topic: Hardship Waivers Sponsor: Representative Phil Phelps (D) Introduced: October 24, 2017 Status: Enacted December 21, 2017 Effective Date: March 21, 2018 ISSUE WITH CURRENT LAW: As of 2013, the Agency must grant a claimant’s hardship waiver application if the claimant’s disposable household income falls below the Federal Poverty Line. However, the… Read More »
House Bill 5170 Topic: Employer Determination Process Sponsor: Representative Joseph Bellino (R) Introduced: October 24, 2017 Status: Enacted December 21, 2017 Effective Date: Immediate ISSUE WITH CURRENT LAW: The Agency’s process for employer determinations was confusing, time consuming, and ineffective. WHAT THE NEW BILL DOES: An employer receives a determination if the employer fails to… Read More »
House Bill 5169 Topic: Interest on Overpayments Sponsor: Representative Beau LaFave (R) Introduced: October 24, 2017 Status: Enacted December 21, 2017 Effective Date: Immediate ISSUE WITH CURRENT LAW: Michigan charges 1% monthly interest on all overpayments. WHAT THE NEW BILL DOES: No interest will be assessed if the overpayment was due to an Agency error. Interest… Read More »
House Bill 5165 Topic: Identity Theft Verification Structure Sponsor: Representative Joseph Graves (R) Introduced: October 24, 2017 Status: Enacted December 21, 2017 Effective date: March 21, 2018 ISSUES WITH CURRENT LAW: The Agency lacks clear procedures to verify impostor theft claims. WHAT THE NEW BILL DOES: In order to efficiently and effectively combat identity fraud,… Read More »