MI
Michigan House Bill HB4372

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4372

Introduced
4/11/23  

Caption

Legislature: legislative agencies; unemployment insurance agency ombudsman; create. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4370'23, HB 4374'23

Impact

This legislation will significantly impact state laws concerning how complaints regarding unemployment benefits are managed. By creating the Office of the Unemployment Insurance Advocate, the bill ensures that there is an oversight mechanism for complaints against administrative acts of the unemployment agency. The advocate will handle investigations, provide guidance on the benefits process, and ensure that claimants are not penalized for filing complaints or cooperating in investigations. This move is aimed at enhancing service for individuals who may be navigating the complexities of unemployment claims.

Summary

House Bill 4372 establishes the Office of the Unemployment Insurance Advocate in Michigan. The primary objective of this bill is to create a designated authority that assists claimants and employers with issues related to unemployment benefits and administrative actions by the unemployment agency. The advocate will serve as a resource for individuals submitting complaints and will have the authority to investigate claims and matters related to unemployment benefits, prospects, and taxes, thereby promoting transparency and accountability within the unemployment system.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve the handling of unemployment claims, some may argue about the potential bureaucratic implications of adding another layer of oversight in an already complex system. There might be concerns regarding how the advocate's authority overlaps with existing agencies, and whether it may inadvertently complicate rather than simplify the complaints process. Additionally, operational issues such as the advocate's accessibility and responsiveness could be points of contention, especially if the advocate does not have sufficient resources or autonomy to act effectively.

Companion Bills

MI HB4374

Same As Employment security: other; requirement for complete case files when submitting information for an adjudication hearing; provide for. Amends 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1 (MCL 421.1 - 421.75) by adding sec. 32e. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4372'23

MI HB4370

Same As Employment security: administration; quarterly report to the unemployment insurance agency ombudsman related to rulings appealed and forwarded to the Board of Appeals Commission; require. Amends 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1 (MCL 421.1 - 421.75) by adding sec. 32f. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4372'23

Previously Filed As

MI HB4316

Legislature: legislative agencies; ombudsman for public employees; create. Creates new act.

MI HB4397

Legislature: legislative agencies; ombudsman for public employees; create. Creates new act.

MI SB0785

Legislature: legislative agencies; freedom of information act ombudsman; create. Creates new act.

MI SB0156

Legislature: legislative agencies; office of legislative corrections ombudsman; expand powers and duties. Amends secs. 1, 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13 & 14 of 1975 PA 46 (MCL 4.351 et seq.).

MI SB0493

Legislature: legislative agencies; office of legislative corrections ombudsman; expand powers and duties and rename to office of legislative corrections ombudsperson. Amends title & secs. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 of 1975 PA 46 (MCL 4.351 et seq.).

MI HB5600

Legislature: legislative agencies; office of tribal legislative liaison; create. Creates new act.

MI HB4370

Employment security: administration; quarterly report to the unemployment insurance agency ombudsman related to rulings appealed and forwarded to the Board of Appeals Commission; require. Amends 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1 (MCL 421.1 - 421.75) by adding sec. 32f. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4372'23

MI SB0083

Civil procedure: injunctions; extreme risk protection order act; enact. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4146'23, HB 4147'23

MI HB4145

Civil procedure: injunctions; extreme risk protection order act; enact. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4146'23, HB 4147'23

MI HB4263

Legislature: legislative agencies; deciding appeals of public records requests under the legislative open records act (LORA); add to legislative council administrator's duties. Amends sec. 104a of 1986 PA 268 (MCL 4.1104a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4261'23, HB 4262'23

Similar Bills

MI SB0100

Campaign finance: statements and reports; definition of gift; modify. Amends secs. 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 & 15 of 2023 PA 282 (MCL 169.303 et seq.) & adds sec. 6.

MI SB0099

Public employees and officers: ethics; reporting requirements and definition of gift; modify and provide standard report form. Amends secs. 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 & 15 of 2023 PA 281 (MCL 15.703 et seq.) & adds sec. 6.

MI HB5273

Campaign finance: statements and reports; financial disclosure reports; require certain candidates for office to file. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5272'23

MI SB0614

Campaign finance: statements and reports; financial disclosure reports; require certain candidates for office to file. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0613'23

MI SB1197

Campaign finance: statements and reports; definition of gift; modify. Amends secs. 3, 5, 7, 11 & 13 of 2023 PA 282 (MCL 169.303 et seq.).

MI HB5272

Campaign finance: statements and reports; financial disclosure reports; require certain public officers to file. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5273'23

MI SB0613

Campaign finance: statements and reports; financial disclosure reports; require certain public officers to file. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0614'23

MI SB1196

Public employees and officers: ethics; reporting requirements and definition of gift; modify. Amends secs. 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 & 15 of 2023 PA 281 (MCL 15.703 et seq.).