BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 1801
87R12054 JSC-D	By: Zaffirini
	Natural Resources & Economic Development
	4/20/2021
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

This bill is intended to modernize the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) capacity to receive the repayment of unemployment benefits issued in error. At present, TWC only accepts repayment via mailed checks and money orders�S.B. 1801 amends Section 212.006, Labor Code, to require TWC also to accept such payment methods as cashier's check, money order, credit card, debit card, electronic check, and electronic funds transfer. This bill also would mandate that TWC accept these forms of payment via telephone, Internet website, and mail service.

As proposed, S.B. 1801 amends current law relating to improper unemployment compensation benefits refunded by a claimant to the Texas Workforce Commission.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 212.006, Labor Code, by adding Subsection (c), as follows:

(c) Authorizes the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to accept payment for benefits refunded by a claimant under Subsection (a)(1) (relating to the requirement that benefits paid to a claimant not accordance with the final decision be refunded to TWC) by personal check, cashier's check, money order, credit card, debit card, electronic check, or electronic funds transfer. Requires TWC to accept payment through the mail, through TWC's Internet website, and by telephone.

SECTION 2. Provides that the change in law made by this Act applies to improper unemployment compensation benefits refunded by a claimant to TWC on or after the effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2021.