Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

Mississippi Senate Bill SB2736

Introduced
1/17/22  
Refer
1/17/22  

Caption

Unemployment benefits; provide eligibility for persons discharged for failure to comply with employer-required vaccine mandate.

Impact

The implications of SB2736 are multifaceted, affecting both employees and employers. For employees, the bill establishes a protective measure, securing financial support for those discharged for not adhering to vaccination mandates. This change reflects a growing trend across states towards requiring employers to provide compensation for those impacted by mandatory health policies. For employers, this legislation imposes a new financial obligation whereby they must reimburse the Mississippi Department of Employment Security for claims related to such discharges, potentially increasing operational costs and administrative complexities.

Summary

Senate Bill 2736 proposes amendments to the Mississippi Code to clarify the eligibility of unemployment compensation for individuals discharged from employment due to non-compliance with employer-required vaccine mandates. Specifically, the bill amends Section 71-5-513 to classify such a discharge as 'good cause' for unemployment benefits, ensuring that individuals who lost their jobs under these circumstances can access full benefits during their benefit year. This represents a significant shift in the interpretation of acceptable reasons for unemployment eligibility framed by state law.

Contention

Notably, the bill has the potential to spark debate among lawmakers and the public regarding employee rights versus employer authority in health-related mandates. Proponents argue that it ensures fair treatment and protection of workers' rights, especially in the context of public health and mandated vaccinations. Conversely, opponents may voice concerns over the implications for employer discretion, arguing that it complicates hiring and firing processes, and could lead to increased litigation over employee terminations tied to vaccine compliance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MS HB1450

Vaccinations; require employers that mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for employees to provide exemption process.

MS SB2020

Workers' Compensation; vaccine-related accidents or injuries shall be compensable.

MS SB2409

Workers' Compensation; vaccine-related accidents or injuries shall be compensable.

MS S2852

Concerns eligibility for unemployment benefits.

MS SB576

Relating to unemployment insurance and COVID-19 vaccination requirement

MS S1606

Concerns eligibility for unemployment benefits.

MS A1316

Concerns eligibility for unemployment benefits.

MS A2772

Concerns eligibility for unemployment benefits.

MS HB468

Unemployment compensation, unemployed individual required to contact an increased number of prospective employers for each week of unemployment claimed; further providing for the meaning of failure to seek or accept suitable work

MS HB29

Unemployment compensation, unemployed individual required to contact an increased number of prospective employers for each week of unemployment claimed; further providing for the meaning of failure to seek or accept suitable work

Similar Bills

MS SB2020

Workers' Compensation; vaccine-related accidents or injuries shall be compensable.

MS SB2409

Workers' Compensation; vaccine-related accidents or injuries shall be compensable.

MS HB1156

Mississippi Worforce Training and Education Act; extend repealer in 2004 chapter law comforming code sections.

NJ S4650

Concerns eligibility for unemployment benefits for individuals who leave work for student teaching experience.

MS SB2552

MS Comprehensive Workforce Training & Education Consolidation Act of 2004; extend repealer on code sections conformed to.

NJ S2852

Concerns eligibility for unemployment benefits.

NJ S1606

Concerns eligibility for unemployment benefits.

NJ A4772

Concerns UI benefits during labor disputes.