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SB 163 - This act makes the following changes with regard to unemployment security: SECTION 288.036 - TAXABLE WAGE BASE (TAX) INCREASE LIMIT The mandated increases in the taxable base are limited to a maximum of $12,000 instead of $13,000 under current law. SECTION 288.038 - MAXIMUM WEEKLY BENEFIT INCREASE The mandated increases in the weekly benefit amount are limited to $300 per week, instead of the $320 per week under current law. The weekly benefit amount will permanently be set at 3.75% of the average of the claimants two highest quarters earnings within the base period beginning in 2006. Current law has 4% of the highest quarter in 2005, 3.75% of the highest quarter in 2006 and 2007, and then 4% of the average of the two highest quarters in 2008. SECTION 288.045 - DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING Eliminates acceptable limits of marijuana and alcohol. Allows consideration of random and pre-employment screens for a finding of misconduct with appropriate notice. Permits accrediting by approved professional organizations, rather than just U.S. D.O.T.. Allows for a refusal to submit to a drug screen to be considered misconduct. SECTION 288.050.3 - ABSENTEEISM The department must consider violation of employer policy as misconduct if appropriate notice is given. Eliminates the requirement of a “pattern” of tardiness or absenteeism. SECTION 288.121 - UNCONSTITUTIONAL SURCHARGE ELIMINATED Eliminates the temporary debt indebtedness assessment. SECTION 288.128 - DUAL SURCHARGE/UNCONSTITUTIONAL SURCHARGE ELIMINATED Subsection 1 eliminates one year payment of all outstanding non-federal loans. Subsection 2 deletes the entire section authorizing unconstitutional surcharge. SECTION 288.310 - DELETES REFERENCES TO UNCONSTITUTIONAL SURCHARGE SECTION 288.330 - PERMITS BONDING WITHOUT UNCONSTITUTIONAL SURCHARGE Deletes all references to the unconstitutional surcharge and extends repayment period to not longer than 10 years. JASON ZAMKUS
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