HB 519 -- Unemployment Insurance

Sponsor:  Roark

This bill changes the laws regarding unemployment insurance.  The
bill:

(1)  Requires that for calendar year 2006 and thereafter, if on
September 30 the net balance in the Unemployment Compensation
Trust Fund is at least $400 million, the taxable wage base will
not increase above $11;

(2)  Requires that for initial unemployment claims filed during
the calendar year 2006 and thereafter, the maximum weekly benefit
amount will be 3.75% of the average of the two highest earnings
quarters of the worker's base period;

(3)  Requires that for calender year 2006 and thereafter, if the
fund's net balance is $400 million or less, the maximum weekly
benefit amount will not exceed $250.  Beginning January 1 of the
year following the year in which the fund's net balance is $400
million or more, the maximum weekly benefit amount will be $270.
For each subsequent year in which the fund's net balance is $400
million or more, the maximum weekly benefit amount will increase
by $10, not to exceed a maximum weekly benefit amount of $320.
The fund's net balance will be the balance less any obligations
as of September 30 of the preceding year;

(4)  Requires that alcohol and controlled substance testing be
conducted by accrediting organizations, certifying organizations,
or any professional society approved by the United States
Department of Transportation;

(5)  Requires that alcohol and controlled substance test results
be admissible if the employer's policy states that an employee
may be subject to random testing;

(6)  Authorizes an employer to require a pre-employment test for
the presence of alcohol or controlled substances as a condition
of employment;

(7)  Specifies that an employee's refusal to take a test for the
presence of alcohol or controlled substances be considered
misconduct and disqualifies the claimant for the waiting week
credit and unemployment benefits;

(8)  Requires that if a claimant is disqualified on a second or
subsequent occasion within the base period, the claimant must
earn wages equal to or in excess of six times the claimant's
weekly benefit amount for each of the occasions;

(9)  Specifies that absenteeism or tardiness constitutes
misconduct;

(10)  Removes the temporary debt indebtedness assessment which
was to be added to the employer's contribution rate for calender
years 2005, 2006, and 2007;

(11)  Adds the State Treasurer to the Board of Unemployment Fund
Financing; and

(12)  Allows the board to use credit instruments which mature no
later than 10 years after issuance.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:19 pm