Amendment #98 to H3983

Termination of Benefits Upon Similar Job Offer

Mr. Frost of Auburn moves to amend the bill by inserting, after SECTION 53, the following new section:-

“SECTION XX. Section 24 of chapter 151A, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:-

(b½) must be willing to accept employment from his most recent employer if that company offers to rehire the individual before or during his collection of benefits provided that the employment opportunity is: 1.) within reasonable means and skill level for that individual; 2.) the same or substantially similar number of hours; 3.) the same or substantially similar to the compensation previously paid;  4.) a reasonable distance compared to the previous employment with  the same company and 5.) for no less than 60 days. The department shall make a ruling as to whether a job offer satisfies the requirements of this section; if the department determines that a job offer meets the requirements of this section and the employee refuses the offer, his benefits shall be terminated. The employee may file an appeal regarding the similarity of an employment opportunity, and the hearing board may take into account the employee's health and child care status in addition to the qualifications provided in this section.  If the employee filing the appeal does not present at the hearing, the department shall find in favor of the employer and the employee’s benefits will be terminated immediately; if the employee has a reasonable documented excuse concerning the employee's health, an accident, or death of the employee or their immediate family member, the employee may file an appeal and another hearing may be scheduled on reinstating benefits.”.