SCS/HB 1592 - This act provides that individuals and corporations entitled to tax refunds may designate two or more dollars to be credited to the workers memorial fund.

The act deems a positive test result for controlled substances or for blood alcohol content of eight-hundredths of one percent or more as misconduct connected with work. Claimants suspended or terminated for a positive test results are ineligible for benefits. Such claimants may become eligible if they participate in a state-approved drug or alcohol treatment program.

Employers suspending or terminating employees pursuant to this act must publicly post a controlled substance and alcohol workplace policy which warns that a positive test result will be deemed misconduct and may result in suspension, treatment intervention, or termination.

The act provides that Indian tribes for which service in employment is performed are "employers" and requires Indian tribe employers to contribute to the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund.

The act expands the definition of "totally unemployed" in the context of employment security to include workers who have been suspended pending a final determination regarding alleged misconduct or employment status.
ERIC ROSENKOETTER