Changes in unemployment insurance legislation in 2001; at the State level, enactments included increases of maximum weekly benefit amounts, modifications to voluntary quit provisions, and extensions of coverage to Indian tribes; one Federal bill enacted will affect the Federal-State unemployment insurance program - Unemployment Insurance Laws, 2001 - United States - Statistical Data Included

Monthly Labor Review, Jan, 2002 by Loryn Lancaster, Anne Vogel

Coverage. An "American employer" includes any Indian tribe. The definition of "employment" and "employing unit" includes service performed for an Indian tribe, resulting in unemployment insurance coverage of such services. An Indian tribe can either pay contributions or elect to make reimbursements. An Indian tribe that elects to make reimbursements will be required to file a surety bond. Under certain circumstances, the reimbursement election will be terminated and coverage may be terminated when a tribe fails to make the required payments; provides for reinstatement when failure is corrected. Any Indian tribe may elect unemployment compensation disability coverage for certain employees, provided the election is the result of a negotiated agreement between specific parties. Extended benefits not reimbursed by the Federal Government must be financed by the Indian tribe.

Colorado

Administration. References concerning assignment of tax rates for new employers in the construction industry will be shifted from the Standard Industrial Classification codes to the North American Industry Classification System codes.

Coverage. The definition of "employer" and "employment" includes service performed for an Indian tribe, resulting in unemployment insurance coverage of such services. An Indian tribe may either pay contributions or elect to make reimbursements. An Indian tribe that elects to make reimbursements may be required to execute and file a surety bond or deposit money or securities. Under certain circumstances, the reimbursement election and coverage will be terminated when a tribe fails to make the required payments; provides for reinstatement when the failure is corrected.

Financing. On and after July 1,2001, monies from the statewide indirect cost allocation agreement with the Federal Government must be used to supplement monies in the employment support fund. The deduction requirement from an employer's refund of excess unemployment insurance taxes, an amount equal to the benefits the Division has paid to employees upon whose wages the taxes were based, is eliminated. An employer is relieved of obligation to pay unemployment insurance taxes in a calendar quarter if the amount due is less than $5.

Connecticut

Benefits. "Willful misconduct," in the case of absence from work, is clarified to mean an employee must be absent without either good cause for the absence or notice to the employer which the employee could reasonably have provided under the circumstances for 3 separate instances within an 18-month period. The definition of "just cause" is eliminated.

Coverage. The definition of "employment" includes service performed for an Indian tribe, resulting in unemployment insurance coverage of such services. An Indian tribe can either pay contributions or elect to make reimbursements. An Indian tribe that elects to make reimbursements may be required to execute and file a surety bond or deposit money or securities. Under certain conditions, the reimbursement election will be terminated and coverage may be terminated when a tribe fails to make the required payments; provides for reinstatement when the failure is corrected.