OLR Bill Analysis

sHB 5232 (as amended by House “A”)*

AN ACT CONCERNING HEARINGS BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATOR AND THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY APPEALS DIVISION UNDER THE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION ACT.

SUMMARY:

By law, the Department of Labor administrator or examiner determining a claimant's eligibility for unemployment benefits has the discretion to hold hearings in person or by telephone or other electronic means. This bill prohibits the administrator or examiner from unreasonably denying a request for an in-person hearing.

Current law requires appeals over unemployment benefit eligibility to be heard in person at a location that is reasonably convenient for the parties. The bill makes hearings by telephone or other electronic means the default method for conducting these appeals, but it requires in-person hearings if either party requests one. It also allows the Employment Security Appeals Division's executive head to designate the hearing's location regardless of its convenience for the parties.

*House Amendment “A” adds the provision prohibiting the unemployment administrator or examiner from unreasonably denying requests for in person hearings.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2012

COMMITTEE ACTION

Labor and Public Employees Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute