AN ACT TO AMEND TITLES 29 AND 19 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

Prior to the pandemic occasioned by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), approximately 500 initial unemployment claims were filed in Delaware each week. Between March 15 and May 30, 2020, the Department of Labor received over 100,000 initial claims, bringing the average number of pandemic related unemployment, extended and new federal benefit claims to an average of 10,000 per week. Although it is too early to know the total amount of pandemic-related claims that will be appealed to the Board, the massive increase in overall claims is expected to generate a commensurate increase in the number of appeals. Section 1 of this Act authorizes the expansion of the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board and authorizes it to hold more hearings if and when necessary to hear unemployment insurance appeals and will sunset on June 30, 2021. Section 2 of this Act defers extended benefits under state law until after the payment of pandemic emergency unemployment compensation, as is required by the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (Public Law 116-136), Section 2107(a)(5).