SC Senate Passes Bill to End Benefits for Workers Fired for Misconduct

Yesterday, the South Carolina Senate passed S.1125, a bill to prevent workers fired for misconduct from collecting unemployment benefits – a move that could save the unemployment system $50 million per year.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Lee Bright, Senator Kevin Bryant, and others is aimed at protecting businesses from having to pay out benefits for workers fired under these circumstances. It also protects consumers by keeping costs low and protects taxpayers at a time when the state is still working to pay back loans made to the unemployment trust fund, according to Senate Republicans.

Some senators contend that changes to current law are necessary because legislative intent has not been followed, and the broad interpretation of the law resulted in $50 million in benefits awarded to people fired for misconduct last year alone. The bill brings state law in line with federal law by strictly defining how to deal with these types of claims.

“South Carolina businesses shouldn’t be on the hook for firing workers that have been let go for any type or wrongdoing,” Sen. Lee Bright said. “This bill will not only protect businesses, but it protects the benefits of workers who make a claim for legitimate reasons.”

“We have to keep the cost of business as low as possible in South Carolina, both for the business owners and the consumers,” Sen. Bryant said. “This bill keeps illegitimate costs from being passed along to consumers or taxpayers.”