BILL NUMBER: S9368

SPONSOR: RAMOS
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend chapter 831 of the laws of 1981, amending the labor law
relating to fees and expenses in unemployment insurance proceedings, in
relation to the effectiveness thereof

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To extend such provisions of the Labor Law relating fees and expenses
for unemployment insurance proceedings for an additional two years.
Under current law, these provisions will expire on December 31, 2024.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section one would extend subdivisions (3)(a) and (3)(c) of Section 538
of the Labor Law until December 31, 2026.

Section two would establish the effective date.

              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Chapter 831 of the Laws of 1981 set standards for fees and compensation
of attorneys that represent claimants and fees for any witnesses that
may be involved in proceedings before the Unemployment Insurance Appeal
Board ("UIAB"). The expiring provisions direct the UIAB to establish
qualifications and procedures for the registration of agents authorized
to represent claimants. The provisions require agents to register their
contact information and post a $500 bond for the benefit of claimants
charged certain fees by the agent. The UIAB is required to maintain
lists of authorized agents and attorneys who are available to represent
claimants and shall make the list available to claimants on request.

These provisions ensure that claimants are properly represented and not
charged unfair fees. Extending these provisions regarding the registra-
tion process allows claimants access to qualified agents.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None to the State.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act would take effect immediately.