Signed by Governor Doug Ducey

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends state unemployment laws due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Highlights:

• Amends employer contribution requirements implemented by the Department of Economic Security for the federal-state unemployment insurance program in order to address the federal emergency declared for the COVID-19 Coronavirus disease pandemic (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the Department from approving shared work benefits for an individual who has had their normal weekly work hours reduced by more than 80 percent (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that it is the intention of the legislature that the above-mentioned provisions shall be granted to the Department in order to provide additional resources and flexibility for the unemployment insurance program, such as (Sec. 2):

• Waiving weekly work search requirements;

• Waiving the waiting week period required to attain benefits; and

• Waiving employers directly impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus due to an illness in the workplace or direction from public health officials to isolate or quarantine workers. 

Full Bill Text