By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 1801
(Turner of Tarrant)
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to improper unemployment compensation benefits refunded
by a claimant to the Texas Workforce Commission.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 212.006, Labor Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
(c) The commission shall accept payment for benefits
refunded by a claimant under Subsection (a)(1) by personal check,
cashier's check, money order, debit card, electronic check, or
electronic funds transfer. The commission shall accept payment
through the mail and by Internet, as applicable. The commission may
adopt rules to accept forms of payment not listed in this
subsection.
SECTION 2. Section 214.002, Labor Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to read as
follows:
(a) A person who has received improper benefits is liable
for the amount of the improper benefits. The commission may recover
improper benefits by:
(1) deducting the amount of the improper benefits from
any future benefits payable to the person; [or]
(2) collecting a refund from a claimant; or
(3) collecting the amount of the improper benefits for
the compensation fund in the same manner provided by Sections
213.031, 213.032, 213.033, 213.035, and 213.051 for the collection
of past due contributions.
(c) The commission shall accept payment for benefits
refunded by a claimant under Subsection (a)(2) by personal check,
cashier's check, money order, debit card, electronic check, or
electronic funds transfer. The commission shall accept payment
through the mail and by Internet, as applicable. The commission may
adopt rules to accept forms of payment not listed in this
subsection.
SECTION 3. Sections 212.006(c) and 214.002(c), Labor Code,
as added by this Act, apply to improper unemployment compensation
benefits refunded by a claimant to the Texas Workforce Commission
on or after the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 4. Section 214.002(a), Labor Code, as amended by
this Act, applies only to improper benefits obtained on or after the
effective date of this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.