Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

I am introducing legislation amending the Unemployment Compensation (UC) Law to require an employer to notify a prospective employee that their employment is not covered under the law and therefore not eligible for UC benefits.
 
A constituent recently shared with me that she lost her job and applied for UC benefits. On appeal, she discovered that her application for benefits was denied because the employer provides employment that is exempt from coverage under the UC law. 
 
Certain types of employment are excluded from coverage under the UC Law. Some examples of excluded employment include an individual in the employ of a son, daughter, or spouse who is a sole proprietor as well as a person employed by a church or an enterprise operated primarily for religious purposes. An employer who gives only non-covered employment is not required to register with the Department of Labor and Industry and pay contributions. 
 
My constituent had no idea that her employment did not qualify for unemployment compensation until she actually applied for the benefits. She was having taxes taken out of her paycheck and thought they included deductions for unemployment. The constituent was very surprised to learn that she had no coverage.
 
My legislation would require employers to inform future employees that their service is excluded from coverage under the UC Law. Prospective employees should be made aware at the time of employment by the employer that taxes will not be deducted from their check to pay contributions toward unemployment compensation since their job is exempt from coverage.