Maine § 1199. - Provisions under a declared state of emergency

§ 1199.. Provisions under a declared state of emergency

The provisions of this section apply for the duration of a state of emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to Title 37‑B, section 742 due to the outbreak of COVID-19, and for 30 days following the termination of that state of emergency.   [PL 2019, c. 617, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]

1.  Benefits not charged against employer.  Notwithstanding section 1191 or 1221, if an individual is dislocated or temporarily laid off as a result of the state of emergency, benefits paid to that individual under this subchapter may not be charged against the experience rating record of any employer but must be charged to the General Fund.

2.  Eligibility.  An individual is deemed to have met the eligibility requirements under section 1192‑A, subsection 2, paragraphs B, C and D as long as the individual remains able and available to work for, and maintains contact with, the relevant employer and the individual is:

A. Under a temporary medical quarantine or isolation restriction to ensure that the individual has not been affected by the subject condition of the state of emergency and is expected to return to work; or   [PL 2019, c. 617, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]

B. Temporarily laid off due to a partial or full closure of the individual's place of employment as a result of the state of emergency and is expected to return to work once the emergency closure is lifted.   [PL 2019, c. 617, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]

3.  Waiting period waived.  The waiting period requirement under section 1192‑A, subsection 2, paragraph E is waived for an individual who is dislocated or temporarily laid off as a result of the state of emergency.

4.  Temporary leave of absence due to COVID-19.  Notwithstanding section 1193, subsection 1, during the state of emergency, an individual who is on a temporary leave of absence due to a medical quarantine or isolation restriction, a demonstrated risk of exposure or infection or a need to care for a dependent family member as a result of COVID-19 is not disqualified from receiving benefits during this absence as long as the individual continues to remain able and available to work for, and maintains contact with, the relevant employer.