Labor & Employment (Paid Leave)

HB 5004 amends Michigan's unemployment benefits law to clarify the requirements for workers who leave jobs due to medical reasons. To qualify for benefits, an employee must obtain a medical professional's statement confirming that continuing work would harm their health and must have made good-faith attempts to secure alternative work or a leave of absence with their employer. Without these steps, the employee is presumed to have left work voluntarily without good cause, disqualifying them from benefits. This change directly affects Michigan workers seeking unemployment benefits after a medical leave, ensuring eligibility aligns with documented medical necessity and employer cooperation efforts.