Unemployment insurance.

(1) Under existing law, unemployment compensation benefits are based on wages paid in a base period that is calculated according to the month within which the benefit year begins. This bill would, for new claims filed on or after a specified date, but no later than April 3, 2011, for which a valid claim or benefit year cannot be established under the currently defined base periods, establish alternative base periods, as provided. This bill would also require a claimant to submit specified information regarding wages to the Employment Development Department via an affidavit, under specified conditions. The bill would require the department to implement the technical changes necessary to establish claims under the alternate base period, as specified, as soon as possible, but no later than April 3, 2011. Because this measure would increase the amount of unemployment compensation paid, it would make an additional amount payable from the Unemployment Fund, a continuously appropriated special fund, and thereby would make an appropriation. Because this measure would require specified information to be submitted to the Employment Development Department on an affidavit, the submission of which, if false, is a misdemeanor under existing law, it would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) The bill would require the department, until April 3, 2013, to report no less frequently than quarterly, to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee on the progress and effectiveness of implementation of the alternative base period program prescribed under the bill. (3) Existing law requires the Employment Development Department, upon the filing of a new claim for benefits, to promptly make a computation on the claim that sets forth the maximum amount of benefits potentially payable during the benefit year and the weekly benefit amount, and to promptly notify the claimant and the claimant's base period employers of the computation, as specified. This bill would also require the department to promptly notify each of the claimant's base period employers of the computation on the claim based on a determination of eligibility, as specified. (4) Existing law requires the manner in which disputed claims, appeals, and petitions are presented, the reports required thereon by the claimant and from any employing unit, and the conduct of hearings and appeals, to be in accordance with rules prescribed by the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board. This bill would require the appeals board to permit a party or representative to participate in a hearing by telephone, as specified, in accordance with regulations adopted by the board. (5) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. (6) The California Constitution authorizes the Governor to declare a fiscal emergency and to call the Legislature into special session for that purpose. The Governor issued a proclamation declaring a fiscal emergency, and calling a special session for this purpose, on December 19, 2008. This bill would state that it addresses the fiscal emergency declared by the Governor by proclamation issued on December 19, 2008, pursuant to the California Constitution.