REFERENCE TITLE: unemployment compensation; coronavirus disease

State of Arizona Senate Fifty-fourth Legislature Second Regular Session 2020

SB 1694

Introduced by Senators Fann: Gowan, Leach (with permission of Committee on Rules)

 

AN ACT

 

authorizing the department of economic security to implement alternative benefit eligibility and employer contribution requirements for the federal‑state unemployment insurance program.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1.  Unemployment compensation; coronavirus disease 2019; alternative requirements; rulemaking exemption

A.  Notwithstanding title 23, chapter 4, Arizona Revised Statutes, the department of economic security may implement alternative benefit eligibility and employer contribution requirements for the federal‑state unemployment insurance program established pursuant to title 23, chapter 4, Arizona Revised Statutes, consistent with the federal guidance issued by the United States department of labor through unemployment insurance program letter number 10‑20, for individuals and employers who are affected by a declaration of emergency related to the coronavirus disease 2019.  The department may adopt rules necessary to administer this section.

B.  For the purposes of this section, the department of economic security is exempt from the requirements of title 41, chapter 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, during the emergency declaration period.

Sec. 2.  Intent

In response to the declaration of emergency and executive order issued on March 11, 2020 and federal guidance issued by the United States department of labor in unemployment insurance program letter number 10‑20, the legislature intends that the authority granted to the department of economic security in section 1 of this act provide additional resources and flexibility for the unemployment insurance program for individuals and businesses affected by coronavirus disease 2019.

Sec. 3.  Retroactivity

This act applies retroactively to from and after March 10, 2020.

Sec. 4.  Emergency

This act is an emergency measure that is necessary to preserve the public peace, health or safety and is operative immediately as provided by law.