ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature Second Regular Session
	Senate: COM DP 6-3-0-0 | 3^rd Read 19-9-2-0-0 House: COM DP 7-2-0-1

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SB 1494: COVID-19 vaccine; unemployment insurance

Sponsor: Senator Mesnard, LD 17

House Engrossed

Overview

Adds a prohibition on disqualifying unemployment insurance (UI) benefits relating to vaccine requirements.

History

The Department of Economic Security (DES) administers the UI benefit program, which provides benefit payments to eligible individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own.

To qualify for benefits, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements which include being able to work, available for work, and meeting specified wage requirements. An individual is disqualified from benefits if DES finds that the person has failed to: 1) apply for available work as so directed by the employment office; 2) actively engage in seeking work; or 3) accept suitable work when offered.  DES is statutorily prohibited from disqualifying an individual from receiving UI benefits on the basis of the individual's separation from employment if the individual is a victim of domestic violence and leaves employment due to a documented case involving domestic violence (A.R.S. §§ 23-771 & 23-776).

Provisions

1. Prohibits DES from disqualifying an individual from receiving UI benefits based on the individual's separation from employment if the individual is terminated from employment for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot as required by the employer. (Sec. 1)

2. Specifies benefits paid to an individual are not to be charged against an employer's account if the employer's requirement that employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot is required by law. (Sec. 1)

3. Makes technical and conforming changes. (Sec. 1)

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                        SB 1494

Initials PRB/NM          Page 0 House Engrossed

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