ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

ASSEMBLY, No. 1786

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

 

ADOPTED MAY 2, 1996

 

 

Sponsored by Assemblymen ZECKER, GREGG and Assemblywoman WRIGHT

 

 

An Act concerning unemployment insurance benefits, amending and supplementing chapter 21 of Title 43 of the Revised Statutes.

 

      Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

      1. (New section) For the purposes of the Emergency Unemployment Benefits Program and as used in this act:

      "Emergency unemployment benefits" means benefits financed entirely by the State and paid to exhaustees pursuant to this act.

      "Emergency unemployment benefit period" means a period not within an extended benefit period which:

      a. Begins on June 2, 1996, and

      b. Ends upon the conclusion of the second week after the first week for which there is a State "on" indicator as defined in section 5 of P.L.1970, c.324 (C.43:21-24.11) or other federally-financed supplemental benefits program, or

      c. If there is no such "on" indicator, ends with the occurrence of either of the following:

      (1) The third week after the first week for which there is a State emergency unemployment benefits "off" indicator; or

      (2) The calendar week after the calendar week in which total expenditures of emergency unemployment compensation fund Statewide first exceed $350 million.

      There is a State emergency unemployment benefits "off" indicator for any week in which it is determined by the division based on data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that, for the prior four calendar months, the average total unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) in this State is less than 6.0 percent.

      Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection c., no emergency unemployment benefits shall be paid after December 1, 1996, except that emergency benefits shall be paid to individuals who established emergency unemployment claims prior to that date. No emergency unemployment benefits shall be paid to any individual after March 1, 1997.

      "Eligibility period" of an exhaustee means the period consisting of the weeks in the exhaustee's benefit year which begin in an emergency unemployment benefit period and, if that benefit year ends in the emergency unemployment benefit period, any weeks thereafter which begin in the period.

      "Exhaustee" means an individual who exhausted all of the regular benefits that were available to the individual pursuant to the "unemployment compensation law," R.S.43:21-1 et seq., (including benefits payable to federal civilian employees and ex-service persons or payable under the combined wage program), after December 2, 1995 and before June 2, 1996, or during any calendar week of the emergency unemployment benefit period. No individual who exhausted all of the available regular benefits prior to December 3, 1995 shall be eligible for emergency unemployment benefits. An individual whose benefit year has expired prior to the beginning of the emergency unemployment benefit period shall not be eligible for such benefits.

 

      2. (New section) During an emergency unemployment benefit period exhaustees, who otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for regular benefits pursuant to the provisions of the "unemployment compensation law," R.S.43:21-1 et seq., and who are not eligible for any other unemployment benefits, including benefits provided for by any federal law extending benefits beyond those provided for as regular benefits or extended benefits, may receive weekly emergency unemployment benefits for weeks subsequent to June 2, 1996 in an amount equal to the weekly benefit amount of the individual's most recent regular unemployment benefit claim subject to the provisions of the "unemployment compensation law," R.S.43:21-1 et seq. The maximum emergency unemployment benefits an individual may receive pursuant to this act is 50 percent of the regular unemployment benefits which were payable to the individual pursuant to the "unemployment compensation law," R.S.43:21-1 et seq., (including benefits payable to federal civilian employees and ex-service persons or payable under the combined wage program) in the individual's applicable benefit year.

 

      3. (New section) No employer's account shall be charged for emergency unemployment benefits paid to an unemployed individual pursuant to this act, except for the account of an out-of -State employer who is liable for charges under the Combined Wage Program. However, nothing in this section shall be construed to relieve employers electing to make payments in lieu of contributions pursuant to section 3 or 4 of P.L.1971, c.346 (C.43:21-7.2 or C.43:21-7.3) from reimbursing the unemployment benefits paid to an unemployed individual pursuant to this act.

      Emergency unemployment benefits paid to federal civilian employees shall be charged to the appropriate federal account. Emergency unemployment benefits paid to ex-service persons shall be charged to the unemployment compensation fund.

 

      4. (New section) Emergency unemployment benefits may be paid pursuant to the provisions of this act only with respect to weeks not within an extended benefit period, and not within a period covered by any federal law allowing the filing of new claims extending benefits beyond those provided for as regular or extended benefits. If a federal extended benefits period triggers "on," maximum benefits payable to an individual under the federal extended benefits program or any federal supplemental benefits program shall be reduced by an amount equal to that received by the individual under the emergency unemployment benefits program.

 

      5. (New section) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the division shall use appropriate administrative means to insure that emergency unemployment benefits are paid only to individuals who meet the requirements of this act. These administrative actions may include, but shall not be limited to, the following procedure: the division shall match the claimant's social security number against available wage records to insure that no earnings were reported for that claimant by employers under R.S.43:21-14 for periods in which emergency unemployment benefits were paid.

 

      6. R.S.43:21-7 is amended to read as follows:

      43:21-7. Contributions. Employers other than governmental entities, whose benefit financing provisions are set forth in section 4 of P.L.1971, c.346 (C.43:21-7.3), and those nonprofit organizations liable for payment in lieu of contributions on the basis set forth in section 3 of P.L.1971, c.346 (C.43:21-7.2), shall pay to the controller for the unemployment compensation fund, contributions as set forth in subsections (a), (b) and (c) hereof, and the provisions of subsections (d) and (e) shall be applicable to all employers, consistent with the provisions of the "unemployment compensation law" and the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law," P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-25 et seq.).

      (a) Payment.

      (1) Contributions shall accrue and become payable by each employer for each calendar year in which he is subject to this chapter (R.S.43:21-1 et seq.), with respect to having individuals in his employ during that calendar year, at the rates and on the basis hereinafter set forth. Such contributions shall become due and be paid by each employer to the controller for the fund, in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed, and shall not be deducted, in whole or in part, from the remuneration of individuals in his employ.

      (2) In the payment of any contributions, a fractional part of a cent shall be disregarded unless it amounts to $0.005 or more, in which case it shall be increased to $0.01.

      (b) Rate of contributions. Each employer shall pay the following contributions:

      (1) For the calendar year 1947, and each calendar year thereafter, 2 7/10% of wages paid by him during each such calendar year, except as otherwise prescribed by subsection (c) of this section.

      (2) The "wages" of any individual, with respect to any one employer, as the term is used in this subsection (b) and in subsections (c), (d) and (e) of this section 7, shall include the first $4,800.00 paid during calendar year 1975, for services performed either within or without this State; provided that no contribution shall be required by this State with respect to services performed in another state if such other state imposes contribution liability with respect thereto. If an employer (hereinafter referred to as a successor employer) during any calendar year acquires substantially all the property used in a trade or business of another employer (hereinafter referred to as a predecessor), or used in a separate unit of a trade or business of a predecessor, and immediately after the acquisition employs in his trade or business an individual who immediately prior to the acquisition was employed in the trade or business of such predecessor, then, for the purpose of determining whether the successor employer has paid wages with respect to employment equal to the first $4,800.00 paid during calendar year 1975, any wages paid to such individual by such predecessor during such calendar year and prior to such acquisition shall be considered as having been paid by such successor employer.

      (3) For calendar years beginning on and after January 1, 1976, the "wages" of any individual, as defined in the preceding paragraph (2) of this subsection (b), shall be established and promulgated by the Commissioner of Labor on or before September 1 of the preceding year and shall be 28 times the Statewide average weekly remuneration paid to workers by employers, as determined under R.S.43:21-3(c), raised to the next higher multiple of $100.00 if not already a multiple thereof, provided that if the amount of wages so determined for a calendar year is less than the amount similarly determined for the preceding year, the greater amount will be used; provided, further, that if the amount of such wages so determined does not equal or exceed the amount of wages as defined in subsection (b) of section 3306 of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act, Chapter 23 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C.§3306(b)), the wages as determined in this paragraph in any calendar year shall be raised to equal the amount established under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act for that calendar year.

      (c) Future rates based on benefit experience.

      (1) A separate account for each employer shall be maintained and this shall be credited with all the contributions which he has paid on his own behalf on or before January 31 of any calendar year with respect to employment occurring in the preceding calendar year; provided, however, that if January 31 of any calendar year falls on a Saturday or Sunday, an employer's account shall be credited as of January 31 of such calendar year with all the contributions which he has paid on or before the next succeeding day which is not a Saturday or Sunday. But nothing in this chapter (R.S.43:21-1 et seq.) shall be construed to grant any employer or individuals in his service prior claims or rights to the amounts paid by him into the fund either on his own behalf or on behalf of such individuals. Benefits paid with respect to benefit years commencing on and after January 1, 1953, to any individual on or before December 31 of any calendar year with respect to unemployment in such calendar year and in preceding calendar years shall be charged against the account or accounts of the employer or employers in whose employment such individual established base weeks constituting the basis of such benefits. Benefits paid under a given benefit determination shall be charged against the account of the employer to whom such determination relates. When each benefit payment is made, either a copy of the benefit check or other form of notification shall be promptly sent to the employer against whose account the benefits are to be charged. Such copy or notification shall identify the employer against whose account the amount of such payment is being charged, shall show at least the name and social security account number of the claimant and shall specify the period of unemployment to which said check applies. If the total amount of benefits paid to a claimant and charged to the account of the appropriate employer exceeds 50% of the total base year, base week wages paid to the claimant by that employer, then such employer shall have canceled from his account such excess benefit charges as specified above.

      Each employer shall be furnished an annual summary statement of benefits charged to his account.

      (2) Regulations may be prescribed for the establishment, maintenance, and dissolution of joint accounts by two or more employers, and shall, in accordance with such regulations and upon application by two or more employers to establish such an account, or to merge their several individual accounts in a joint account, maintain such joint account as if it constituted a single employer's account.

      (3) No employer's rate shall be lower than 5.4% unless assignment of such lower rate is consistent with the conditions applicable to additional credit allowance for such year under section 3303(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C.§3303(a)(1)), any other provision of this section to the contrary notwithstanding.

      (4) Employer Reserve Ratio. (A) Each employer's rate shall be 2 8/10%, except as otherwise provided in the following provisions. No employer's rate for the 12 months commencing July 1 of any calendar year shall be other than 2 8/10%, unless as of the preceding January 31 such employer shall have paid contributions with respect to wages paid in each of the three calendar years immediately preceding such year, in which case such employer's rate for the 12 months commencing July 1 of any calendar year shall be determined on the basis of his record up to the beginning of such calendar year. If, at the beginning of such calendar year, the total of all his contributions, paid on his own behalf, for all past years exceeds the total benefits charged to his account for all such years, his contribution rate shall be:

      (1) 2 5/10%, if such excess equals or exceeds 4%, but less than 5%, of his average annual payroll (as defined in paragraph (2), subsection (a) of R.S.43:21-19);

      (2) 2 2/10%, if such excess equals or exceeds 5%, but is less than 6%, of his average annual payroll;

      (3) 1 9/10%, if such excess equals or exceeds 6%, but is less than 7%, of his average annual payroll;

      (4) 1 6/10%, if such excess equals or exceeds 7%, but is less than 8%, of his average annual payroll;

      (5) 1 3/10%, if such excess equals or exceeds 8%, but is less than 9%, of his average annual payroll;

      (6) 1%, if such excess equals or exceeds 9%, but is less than 10%, of his average annual payroll;

      (7) 7/10 of 1%, if such excess equals or exceeds 10%, but is less than 11%, of his average annual payroll;

      (8) 4/10 of 1%, if such excess equals or exceeds 11% of his average annual payroll.

      (B) If the total of an employer's contributions, paid on his own behalf, for all past periods for the purposes of this paragraph (4), is less than the total benefits charged against his account during the same period, his rate shall be:

      (1) 4%, if such excess is less than 10% of his average annual payroll;

      (2) 4 3/10%, if such excess equals or exceeds 10%, but is less than 20%, of his average annual payroll;

      (3) 4 6/10%, if such excess equals or exceeds 20% of his average annual payroll.

      (C) Specially assigned rates. If no contributions were paid on wages for employment in any calendar year used in determining the average annual payroll of an employer eligible for an assigned rate under this paragraph (4), the employer's rate shall be specially assigned as follows:

      (i) if the reserve balance in its account is positive, its assigned rate shall be the highest rate in effect for positive balance accounts for that period, or 5.4%, whichever is higher, and (ii) if the reserve balance in its account is negative, its assigned rate shall be the highest rate in effect for deficit accounts for that period.

      (D) The contribution rates prescribed by subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph (4) shall be increased or decreased in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (5) of this subsection (c) for experience rating periods through June 30, 1986.

      (5) (A) Unemployment Trust Fund Reserve Ratio. If on March 31 of any calendar year the balance in the unemployment trust fund equals or exceeds 4% but is less than 7% of the total taxable wages reported to the controller as of that date in respect to employment during the preceding calendar year, the contribution rate, effective July 1 following, of each employer eligible for a contribution rate calculation based upon benefit experience, shall be increased by 3/10 of 1% over the contribution rate otherwise established under the provisions of paragraph (3) or (4) of this subsection. If on March 31 of any calendar year the balance of the unemployment trust fund exceeds 2 1/2% but is less than 4% of the total taxable wages reported to the controller as of that date in respect to employment during the preceding calendar year, the contribution rate, effective July 1 following, of each employer eligible for a contribution rate calculation based upon benefit experience, shall be increased by 6/10 of 1% over the contribution rate otherwise established under the provisions of paragraph (3) or (4) of this subsection.

      If on March 31 of any calendar year the balance of the unemployment trust fund is less than 2 1/2% of the total taxable wages reported to the controller as of that date in respect to employment during the preceding calendar year, the contribution rate, effective July 1 following, of each employer (1) eligible for a contribution rate calculation based upon benefit experience, shall be increased by (i) 6/10 of 1% over the contribution rate otherwise established under the provisions of paragraph (3), (4)(A) or (4)(B) of this subsection, and (ii) an additional amount equal to 20% of the total rate established herein, provided, however, that the final contribution rate for each employer shall be computed to the nearest multiple of 1/10% if not already a multiple thereof; (2) not eligible for a contribution rate calculation based upon benefit experience, shall be increased by 6/10 of 1% over the contribution rate otherwise established under the provisions of paragraph (4) of this subsection. For the period commencing July 1, 1984 and ending June 30, 1986, the contribution rate for each employer liable to pay contributions under R.S.43:21-7 shall be increased by a factor of 10% computed to the nearest multiple of 1/10% if not already a multiple thereof.

      (B) If on March 31 of any calendar year the balance in the unemployment trust fund equals or exceeds 10% but is less than 12 1/2% of the total taxable wages reported to the controller as of that date in respect to employment during the preceding calendar year, the contribution rate, effective July 1 following, of each employer eligible for a contribution rate calculation based upon benefit experience, shall be reduced by 3/10 of 1% under the contribution rate otherwise established under the provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection; provided that in no event shall the contribution rate of any employer be reduced to less than 4/10 of 1%. If on March 31 of any calendar year the balance in the unemployment trust fund equals or exceeds 12 1/2% of the total taxable wages reported to the controller as of that date in respect to employment during the preceding calendar year, the contribution rate, effective July 1 following, of each employer eligible for a contribution rate calculation based upon benefit experience, shall be reduced by 6/10 of 1% if his account for all past periods reflects an excess of contributions paid over total benefits charged of 3% or more of his average annual payroll, otherwise by 3/10 of 1% under the contribution rate otherwise established under the provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection; provided that in no event shall the contribution rate of any employer be reduced to less than 4/10 of 1%.

      (C) The "balance" in the unemployment trust fund, as the term is used in subparagraphs (A) and (B) above, shall not include moneys credited to the State's account under section 903 of the Social Security Act, as amended (42 U.S.C.§1103), during any period in which such moneys are appropriated for the payment of expenses incurred in the administration of the "unemployment compensation law."

      (D) Prior to July 1 of each calendar year the controller shall determine the Unemployment Trust Reserve Ratio, which shall be calculated by dividing the balance of the unemployment trust fund as of the prior March 31 by total taxable wages reported to the controller by all employers as of March 31 with respect to their employment during the last calendar year.

      (E)(i) With respect to experience rating years beginning on or after July 1, 1986 and before July 1, 1997, the new employer rate or the unemployment experience rate of an employer under this section shall be the rate which appears in the column headed by the Unemployment Trust Fund Reserve Ratio as of the applicable calculation date and on the line with the Employer Reserve Ratio, as defined in paragraph 4 of this subsection (R.S.43:21-7 (c)(4)), as set forth in the following table:


 EXPERIENCE RATING TAX TABLE

 

Fund Reserve Ratio1

 

                                           10.00%         7.00%           4.00%           2.50%           2.49%

Employer                           and               to                  to                  to                  and

Reserve                               Over            9.99%           6.99%           3.99%           Under

Ratio2                               A                   B                 C                 D                 E

 

Positive Reserve Ratio:

17% and over                     0.3                0.4                0.5                0.6                1.2

16.00% to 16.99%             0.4                0.5                0.6                0.6                1.2

15.00% to 15.99%             0.4                0.6                0.7                0.7                1.2

14.00% to 14.99%             0.5                0.6                0.7                0.8                1.2

13.00% to 13.99%             0.6                0.7                0.8                0.9                1.2

12.00% to 12.99%             0.6                0.8                0.9                1.0                1.2

11.00% to 11.99%             0.7                0.8                1.0                1.1                1.2

10.00% to 10.99%             0.9                1.1                1.3                1.5                1.6

9.00% to 9.99%                 1.0                1.3                1.6                1.7                1.9

8.00% to 8.99%                 1.3                1.6                1.9                2.1                2.3

7.00% to 7.99%                 1.4                1.8                2.2                2.4                2.6

6.00% to 6.99%                 1.7                2.1                2.5                2.8                3.0

5.00% to 5.99%                 1.9                2.4                2.8                3.1                3.4

4.00% to 4.99%                 2.0                2.6                3.1                3.4                3.7

3.00% to 3.99%                 2.1                2.7                3.2                3.6                3.9

2.00% to 2.99%                 2.2                2.8                3.3                3.7                4.0

1.00% to 1.99%                 2.3                2.9                3.4                3.8                4.1

0.00% to 0.99%                 2.4                3.0                3.6                4.0                4.3

Deficit Reserve Ratio:

-0.00% to -2.99%              3.4                4.3                5.1                5.6                6.1

-3.00% to -5.99%              3.4                4.3                5.1                5.7                6.2

-6.00% to -8.99%              3.5                4.4                5.2                5.8                6.3

-9.00% to-11.99%             3.5                4.5                5.3                5.9                6.4

-12.00%to-14.99%            3.6                4.6                5.4                6.0                6.5

-15.00%to-19.99%            3.6                4.6                5.5                6.1                6.6

-20.00%to-24.99%            3.7                4.7                5.6                6.2                6.7

-25.00%to-29.99%            3.7                4.8                5.6                6.3                6.8

-30.00%to-34.99%            3.8                4.8                5.7                6.3                6.9

-35.00% and under            5.4                5.4                5.8                6.4                7.0

New Employer Rate          2.8                2.8                2.8                3.1                3.4

     1Fund balance as of March 31 as a percentage of taxable wages in the prior calendar year.

     2Employer Reserve Ratio (Contributions minus benefits as a percentage of employer's taxable wages).

 

 

    (ii) With respect to experience rating years beginning on or after July 1, 1997, the new employer rate or the unemployment experience rate of an employer under this section shall be the rate which appears in the column headed by the Unemployment Trust Fund Reserve Ratio as of the applicable calculation date and on the line with the Employer Reserve Ratio, as defined in paragraph 4 of this subsection (R.S.43:21-7 (c)(4)), as set forth in the following table:


 EXPERIENCE RATING TAX TABLE

 

Fund Reserve Ratio1

 

                                           5.00%           4.00%           3.00%           2.00%           1.99%

Employer                           and               to                  to                  to                  and

Reserve                               Over            4.99%           3.99%           2.99%           Under

Ratio2                                A                   B                 C                 D                 E

 

Positive Reserve Ratio:

17% and over                     0.3                0.4                0.5                0.6                1.2

16.00% to 16.99%             0.4                0.5                0.6                0.6                1.2

15.00% to 15.99%             0.4                0.6                0.7                0.7                1.2

14.00% to 14.99%             0.5                0.6                0.7                0.8                1.2

13.00% to 13.99%             0.6                0.7                0.8                0.9                1.2

12.00% to 12.99%             0.6                0.8                0.9                1.0                1.2

11.00% to 11.99%             0.7                0.8                1.0                1.1                1.2

10.00% to 10.99%             0.9                1.1                1.3                1.5                1.6

9.00% to 9.99%                 1.0                1.3                1.6                1.7                1.9

8.00% to 8.99%                 1.3                1.6                1.9                2.1                2.3

7.00% to 7.99%                 1.4                1.8                2.2                2.4                2.6

6.00% to 6.99%                 1.7                2.1                2.5                2.8                3.0

5.00% to 5.99%                 1.9                2.4                2.8                3.1                3.4

4.00% to 4.99%                 2.0                2.6                3.1                3.4                3.7

3.00% to 3.99%                 2.1                2.7                3.2                3.6                3.9

2.00% to 2.99%                 2.2                2.8                3.3                3.7                4.0

1.00% to 1.99%                 2.3                2.9                3.4                3.8                4.1

0.00% to 0.99%                 2.4                3.0                3.6                4.0                4.3

Deficit Reserve Ratio:

-0.00% to -2.99%              3.4                4.3                5.1                5.6                6.1

-3.00% to -5.99%              3.4                4.3                5.1                5.7                6.2

-6.00% to -8.99%              3.5                4.4                5.2                5.8                6.3

-9.00% to-11.99%             3.5                4.5                5.3                5.9                6.4

-12.00%to-14.99%            3.6                4.6                5.4                6.0                6.5

-15.00%to-19.99%            3.6                4.6                5.5                6.1                6.6

-20.00%to-24.99%            3.7                4.7                5.6                6.2                6.7

-25.00%to-29.99%            3.7                4.8                5.6                6.3                6.8

-30.00%to-34.99%            3.8                4.8                5.7                6.3                6.9

-35.00% and under            5.4                5.4                5.8                6.4                7.0

New Employer Rate          2.8                2.8                2.8                3.1                3.4

     1Fund balance as of March 31 as a percentage of taxable wages in the prior calendar year.

     2Employer Reserve Ratio (Contributions minus benefits as a percentage of employer's taxable wages).

 

    (F)(i) With respect to experience rating years beginning on or after July 1, 1986 and before July 1, 1997, if the balance of the unemployment trust fund as of the prior March 31 is negative, the contribution rate for each employer liable to pay contributions, as computed under subparagraph E of this paragraph (5), shall be increased by a factor of 10% computed to the nearest multiple of 1/10% if not already a multiple thereof.

    (ii) With respect to experience rating years beginning on or after July 1, 1997, if the fund reserve ratio, based on the fund balance as of the prior March 31, is less than 1.00%, the contribution rate for each employer liable to pay contributions, as computed under subparagraph E of this paragraph (5), shall be increased by a factor of 10% computed to the nearest multiple of 1/10% if not already a multiple thereof.

    (G) On or after January 1, 1993, notwithstanding any other provisions of this paragraph (5), the contribution rate for each employer liable to pay contributions, as computed under subparagraph (E) of this paragraph (5), shall be decreased by 0.1%, except that, during any experience rating year in which the fund reserve ratio is equal to or greater than 7.00%, there shall be no decrease pursuant to this subparagraph (G) in the contribution of any employer who has a deficit reserve ratio of negative 35.00% or under.

    (H) On or after January 1, 1993 until December 31, 1993, notwithstanding any other provisions of this paragraph (5), the contribution rate for each employer liable to pay contributions, as computed under subparagraph (E) of this paragraph (5), shall be decreased by a factor of 52.0% computed to the nearest multiple of 1/10%, except that, if an employer has a deficit reserve ratio of negative 35.0% or under, the employer's rate of contribution shall not be reduced pursuant to this subparagraph (H) to less than 5.4%. The amount of the reduction in the employer contributions stipulated by this subparagraph (H) shall be in addition to the amount of the reduction in the employer contributions stipulated by subparagraph (G) of this paragraph (5), except that the rate of contribution of an employer who has a deficit reserve ratio of negative 35.0% or under shall not be reduced pursuant to this subparagraph (H) to less than 5.4% and the rate of contribution of any other employer shall not be reduced to less than 0.0%.

    On or after January 1, 1994 until December 31, 1995, except as provided pursuant to subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (5), notwithstanding any other provisions of this paragraph (5), the contribution rate for each employer liable to pay contributions, as computed under subparagraph (E) of this paragraph (5), shall be decreased by a factor of 36.0% computed to the nearest multiple of 1/10%, except that, if an employer has a deficit reserve ratio of negative 35.0% or under, the employer's rate of contribution shall not be reduced pursuant to this subparagraph (H) to less than 5.4%. The amount of the reduction in the employer contributions stipulated by this subparagraph (H) shall be in addition to the amount of the reduction in the employer contributions stipulated by subparagraph (G) of this paragraph (5), except that the rate of contribution of an employer who has a deficit reserve ratio of negative 35.0% or under shall not be reduced pursuant to this subparagraph (H) to less than 5.4% and the rate of contribution of any other employer shall not be reduced to less than 0.0%.

    On or after April 1, 1996 until December 31, 1996, the contribution rate for each employer liable to pay contributions, as computed under subparagraph (E) of this paragraph (5), shall be decreased by a factor of 25.0% computed to the nearest multiple of 1/10%, except that, if an employer has a deficit reserve ratio of negative 35.0% or under, the employer's rate of contribution shall not be reduced pursuant to this subparagraph (H) to less than 5.4%. The amount of the reduction in the employer contributions stipulated by this subparagraph (H) shall be in addition to the amount of the reduction in the employer contributions stipulated by subparagraph (G) of this paragraph (5), except that the rate of contribution of an employer who has a deficit reserve ratio of negative 35.0% or under shall not be reduced pursuant to this subparagraph (H) to less than 5.4% and the rate of contribution of any other employer shall not be reduced to less than 0.0%.

    On or after January 1, 1997 until December 31, 1997, the contribution rate for each employer liable to pay contributions, as computed under subparagraph (E) of this paragraph (5), shall be decreased by a factor of 10.0% computed to the nearest multiple of 1/10%, except that, if an employer has a deficit reserve ratio of negative 35.0% or under, the employer's rate of contribution shall not be reduced pursuant to this subparagraph (H) to less than 5.4%. The amount of the reduction in the employer contributions stipulated by this subparagraph (H) shall be in addition to the amount of the reduction in the employer contributions stipulated by subparagraph (G) of this paragraph (5), except that the rate of contribution of an employer who has a deficit reserve ratio of negative 35.0% or under shall not be reduced pursuant to this subparagraph (H) to less than 5.4% and the rate of contribution of any other employer shall not be reduced to less than 0.0%.

    (I) If the fund reserve ratio decreases to a level of less than 4.00% on March 31 of calendar year 1994 or calendar year 1995, the provisions of subparagraph (H) of this paragraph (5) shall cease to be in effect as of July 1 of that calendar year.

    If, upon calculating the unemployment compensation fund reserve ratio pursuant to R.S.43:21-7(c)(5)(D) prior to March 31, 1998, the controller finds that the fund reserve ratio has decreased to a level of less than 3.00%, the Commissioner of Labor shall notify the State Treasurer of this fact and of the dollar amount necessary to bring the fund reserve ratio up to a level of 3.00%. The State Treasurer shall, prior to March 31, 1998, transfer from the General Fund to the unemployment compensation fund, revenues in the amount specified by the commissioner and which, upon deposit in the unemployment compensation fund, shall result, upon recalculation, in a fund reserve ratio used to determine employer contributions beginning July 1, 1998 of at least 3.00%.

    If, upon calculating the unemployment compensation fund reserve ratio pursuant to R.S.43:21-7(c)(5)(D) prior to March 31, 1999, the controller finds that the fund reserve ratio has decreased to a level of less than 3.00%, the Commissioner of Labor shall notify the State Treasurer of this fact and of the dollar amount necessary to bring the fund reserve ratio up to a level of 3.00%. The State Treasurer shall, prior to March 31, 1999, transfer from the General Fund to the unemployment compensation fund, revenues in the amount specified by the commissioner and which, upon deposit in the unemployment compensation fund, shall result, upon recalculation, in a fund reserve ratio used to determine employer contributions beginning July 1, 1999 of at least 3.00%.

    (6) Additional contributions.

    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any employer who has been assigned a contribution rate pursuant to subsection (c) of this section for the year commencing July 1, 1948, and for any year commencing July 1 thereafter, may voluntarily make payment of additional contributions, and upon such payment shall receive a recomputation of the experience rate applicable to such employer, including in the calculation the additional contribution so made. Any such additional contribution shall be made during the 30-day period following the date of the mailing to the employer of the notice of his contribution rate as prescribed in this section, unless, for good cause, the time for payment has been extended by the controller for not to exceed an additional 60 days; provided that in no event may such payments which are made later than 120 days after the beginning of the year for which such rates are effective be considered in determining the experience rate for the year in which the payment is made. Any employer receiving any extended period of time within which to make such additional payment and failing to make such payment timely shall be, in addition to the required amount of additional payment, a penalty of 5% thereof or $5.00, whichever is greater, not to exceed $50.00. Any adjustment under this subsection shall be made only in the form of credits against accrued or future contributions.

    (7) Transfers.

    (A) Upon the transfer of the organization, trade or business, or substantially all the assets of an employer to a successor in interest, whether by merger, consolidation, sale, transfer, descent or otherwise, the controller shall transfer the employment experience of the predecessor employer to the successor in interest, including credit for past years, contributions paid, annual payrolls, benefit charges, et cetera, applicable to such predecessor employer, pursuant to regulation, if it is determined that the employment experience of the predecessor employer with respect to the organization, trade, assets or business which has been transferred may be considered indicative of the future employment experience of the successor in interest. Unless the predecessor employer was owned or controlled (by legally enforceable means or otherwise), directly or indirectly, by the successor in interest, or the predecessor employer and the successor in interest were owned or controlled (by legally enforceable means or otherwise), directly or indirectly, by the same interest or interests, the transfer of the employment experience of the predecessor shall not be effective if such successor in interest, within four months of the date of such transfer of the organization, trade, assets or business, or thereafter upon good cause shown, files a written notice protesting the transfer of the employment experience of the predecessor employer.

    (B) An employer who transfers part of his or its organization, trade, assets or business to a successor in interest, whether by merger, consolidation, sale, transfer, descent or otherwise, may jointly make application with such successor in interest for transfer of that portion of the employment experience of the predecessor employer relating to the portion of the organization, trade, assets or business transferred to the successor in interest, including credit for past years, contributions paid, annual payrolls, benefit charges, et cetera, applicable to such predecessor employer. The transfer of employment experience may be allowed pursuant to regulation only if it is found that the employment experience of the predecessor employer with respect to the portion of the organization, trade, assets or business which has been transferred may be considered indicative of the future employment experience of the successor in interest. Credit shall be given to the successor in interest only for the years during which contributions were paid by the predecessor employer with respect to that part of the organization, trade, assets or business transferred.

    (C) A transfer of the employment experience in whole or in part having become final, the predecessor employer thereafter shall not be entitled to consideration for an adjusted rate based upon his or its experience or the part thereof, as the case may be, which has thus been transferred. A successor in interest to whom employment experience or a part thereof is transferred pursuant to this subsection shall, as of the date of the transfer of the organization, trade, assets or business, or part thereof, immediately become an employer if not theretofore an employer subject to this chapter (R.S.43:21-1 et seq.).

    (d) Contributions of workers to the unemployment compensation fund and the State disability benefits fund.

    (1) (A) For periods after January 1, 1975, each worker shall contribute to the fund 1% of his wages with respect to his employment with an employer, which occurs on and after January 1, 1975, after such employer has satisfied the condition set forth in subsection (h) of R.S.43:21-19 with respect to becoming an employer; provided, however, that such contributions shall be at the rate of 1/2 of 1% of wages paid with respect to employment while the worker is in the employ of the State of New Jersey, or any governmental entity or instrumentality which is an employer as defined under R.S.43:21-19(h)(5), or is covered by an approved private plan under the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law" or while the worker is exempt from the provisions of the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law" under section 7 of that law, P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-31).

    (B) Effective January 1, 1978 there shall be no contributions by workers in the employ of any governmental or nongovernmental employer electing or required to make payments in lieu of contributions unless the employer is covered by the State plan under the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law" (C.43:21-37 et seq.), and in that case contributions shall be at the rate of 1/2 of 1%, except that commencing July 1, 1986, workers in the employ of any nongovernmental employer electing or required to make payments in lieu of contributions shall be required to make contributions to the fund at the same rate prescribed for workers of other nongovernmental employers.

    (C) (i) Notwithstanding the above provisions of this paragraph (1), during the period starting July 1, 1986 and ending December 31, 1992, each worker shall contribute to the fund 1.125% of wages paid with respect to his employment with a governmental employer electing or required to pay contributions or nongovernmental employer, including a nonprofit organization which is an employer as defined under R.S.43:21-19(h)(6), regardless of whether that nonprofit organization elects or is required to finance its benefit costs with contributions to the fund or by payments in lieu of contributions, after that employer has satisfied the conditions set forth in subsection R.S.43:21-19(h) with respect to becoming an employer. Contributions, however, shall be at the rate of 0.625% while the worker is covered by an approved private plan under the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law" while the worker is exempt under section 7 of that law, P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-31) or any other provision of that law; provided that such contributions shall be at the rate of 0.625% of wages paid with respect to employment with the State of New Jersey or any other governmental entity or instrumentality electing or required to make payments in lieu of contributions and which is covered by the State plan under the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law," except that, while the worker is exempt from the provisions of the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law" under section 7 of that law, P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-31) or any other provision of that law, or is covered for disability benefits by an approved private plan of the employer, the contributions to the fund shall be 0.125%.

    (ii) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1995, c.422.)

    (D) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this paragraph (1), during the period starting January 1, 1993 and ending June 30, 1994, each worker shall contribute to the unemployment compensation fund 0.5% of wages paid with respect to the worker's employment with a governmental employer electing or required to pay contributions or nongovernmental employer, including a nonprofit organization which is an employer as defined under paragraph 6 of subsection (h) of R.S.43:21-19, regardless of whether that nonprofit organization elects or is required to finance its benefit costs with contributions to the fund or by payments in lieu of contributions, after that employer has satisfied the conditions set forth in subsection (h) of R.S.43:21-19 with respect to becoming an employer. No contributions, however, shall be made by the worker while the worker is covered by an approved private plan under the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law," P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-25 et seq.) or while the worker is exempt under section 7 of P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-31) or any other provision of that law; provided that the contributions shall be at the rate of 0.50% of wages paid with respect to employment with the State of New Jersey or any other governmental entity or instrumentality electing or required to make payments in lieu of contributions and which is covered by the State plan under the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law," except that, while the worker is exempt from the provisions of the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law" under section 7 of that law, P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-31) or any other provision of that law, or is covered for disability benefits by an approved private plan of the employer, no contributions shall be made to the fund.

    Each worker shall, starting on January 1, 1996 and ending March 31, 1996, contribute to the unemployment compensation fund 0.60% of wages paid with respect to the worker's employment with a governmental employer electing or required to pay contributions or nongovernmental employer, including a nonprofit organization which is an employer as defined under paragraph 6 of subsection (h) of R.S.43:21-19, regardless of whether that nonprofit organization elects or is required to finance its benefit costs with contributions to the fund or by payments in lieu of contributions, after that employer has satisfied the conditions set forth in subsection (h) of R.S.43:21-19 with respect to becoming an employer, provided that the contributions shall be at the rate of 0.10% of wages paid with respect to employment with the State of New Jersey or any other governmental entity or instrumentality electing or required to make payments in lieu of contributions.

    Each worker shall, starting on January 1, 1998 contribute to the unemployment compensation fund 0.40% of wages paid with respect to the worker's employment with a governmental employer electing or required to pay contributions or nongovernmental employer, including a nonprofit organization which is an employer as defined under paragraph 6 of subsection (h) of R.S.43:21-19, regardless of whether that nonprofit organization elects or is required to finance its benefit costs with contributions to the fund or by payments in lieu of contributions, after that employer has satisfied the conditions set forth in subsection (h) of R.S.43:21-19 with respect to becoming an employer, provided that the contributions shall be at the rate of 0.10% of wages paid with respect to employment with the State of New Jersey or any other governmental entity or instrumentality electing or required to make payments in lieu of contributions.

    (E) Each employer shall, notwithstanding any provision of law in this State to the contrary, withhold in trust the amount of his workers' contributions from their wages at the time such wages are paid, shall show such deduction on his payroll records, shall furnish such evidence thereof to his workers as the division or controller may prescribe, and shall transmit all such contributions, in addition to his own contributions, to the office of the controller in such manner and at such times as may be prescribed. If any employer fails to deduct the contributions of any of his workers at the time their wages are paid, or fails to make a deduction therefor at the time wages are paid for the next succeeding payroll period, he alone shall thereafter be liable for such contributions, and for the purpose of R.S.43:21-14, such contributions shall be treated as employer's contributions required from him.

    (F) As used in this chapter (R.S.43:21-1 et seq.), except when the context clearly requires otherwise, the term "contributions" shall include the contributions of workers pursuant to this section.

    (G) Each worker shall, starting on July 1, 1994, contribute to the State disability benefits fund an amount equal to 0.50% of wages paid with respect to the worker's employment with a government employer electing or required to pay contributions to the State disability benefits fund or nongovernmental employer, including a nonprofit organization which is an employer as defined under paragraph 6 of subsection (h) of R.S. 43:21-19, unless the employer is covered by an approved private disability plan or is exempt from the provisions of the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law," P.L.1948 c.110 (C.43:21-25 et seq.) under section 7 of that law (C.43:21-31) or any other provision of that law.

    (2) (A) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1984, c.24.)

    (B) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1984, c.24.)

    (C) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1994, c.112.)

    (D) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1994, c.112.)

    (E) (i) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1994, c.112.)

    (ii) [Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph (2), with respect to wages paid during the period beginning on January 1, 1993 and ending June 30, 1994, there shall be deposited in and credited to the State disability benefits fund all worker contributions received by the controller.](Deleted by amendment, P.L. , c. ).

    (iii) (Deleted by amendment, P.L.1994, c.112.)

    (3) If an employee receives wages from more than one employer during any calendar year, and either the sum of his contributions deposited in and credited to the State disability benefits fund [(in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection)] plus the amount of his contributions, if any, required towards the costs of benefits under one or more approved private plans under the provisions of section 9 of the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law" (C.43:21-33) and deducted from his wages, or the sum of such latter contributions, if the employee is covered during such calendar year only by two or more private plans, exceeds an amount equal to 1/2 of 1% of the "wages" determined in accordance with the provisions of R.S.43:21-7(b)(3) during the calendar years beginning on or after January 1, 1976, the employee shall be entitled to a refund of the excess if he makes a claim to the controller within two years after the end of the calendar year in which the wages are received with respect to which the refund is claimed and establishes his right to such refund. Such refund shall be made by the controller from the State disability benefits fund. No interest shall be allowed or paid with respect to any such refund. The controller shall, in accordance with prescribed regulations, determine the portion of the aggregate amount of such refunds made during any calendar year which is applicable to private plans for which deductions were made under section 9 of the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law," such determination to be based upon the ratio of the amount of such wages exempt from contributions to such fund, as provided in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of this subsection with respect to coverage under private plans, to the total wages so exempt plus the amount of such wages subject to contributions to the disability benefits fund, as provided in subparagraph [(B)] G of paragraph [(2)] 1 of this subsection. The controller shall, in accordance with prescribed regulations, prorate the amount so determined among the applicable private plans in the proportion that the wages covered by each plan bear to the total private plan wages involved in such refunds, and shall assess against and recover from the employer, or the insurer if the insurer has indemnified the employer with respect thereto, the amount so prorated. The provisions of R.S.43:21-14 with respect to collection of employer contributions shall apply to such assessments. The amount so recovered by the controller shall be paid into the State disability benefits fund.

    (4) If an individual does not receive any wages from the employing unit which for the purposes of this chapter (R.S.43:21-1 et seq.) is treated as his employer, or receives his wages from some other employing unit, such employer shall nevertheless be liable for such individual's contributions in the first instance; and after payment thereof such employer may deduct the amount of such contributions from any sums payable by him to such employing unit, or may recover the amount of such contributions from such employing unit, or, in the absence of such an employing unit, from such individual, in a civil action; provided proceedings therefor are instituted within three months after the date on which such contributions are payable. General rules shall be prescribed whereby such an employing unit may recover the amount of such contributions from such individuals in the same manner as if it were the employer.

    (5) Every employer who has elected to become an employer subject to this chapter (R.S.43:21-1 et seq.), or to cease to be an employer subject to this chapter (R.S.43:21-1 et seq.), pursuant to the provisions of R.S.43:21-8, shall post and maintain printed notices of such election on his premises, of such design, in such numbers, and at such places as the director may determine to be necessary to give notice thereof to persons in his service.

    (6) Contributions by workers, payable to the controller as herein provided, shall be exempt from garnishment, attachment, execution, or any other remedy for the collection of debts.

    (e) Contributions by employers to State disability benefits fund.

    (1) Except as hereinafter provided, each employer shall, in addition to the contributions required by subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section, contribute 1/2 of 1% of the wages paid by such employer to workers with respect to employment unless he is not a covered employer as defined in section 3 of the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law" (C.43:21-27 (a)), except that the rate for the State of New Jersey shall be 1/10 of 1% for the calendar year 1980 and for the first six months of 1981. Prior to July 1, 1981 and prior to July 1 each year thereafter, the controller shall review the experience accumulated in the account of the State of New Jersey and establish a rate for the next following fiscal year which, in combination with worker contributions, will produce sufficient revenue to keep the account in balance; except that the rate so established shall not be less than 1/10 of 1%. Such contributions shall become due and be paid by the employer to the controller for the State disability benefits fund as established by law, in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed, and shall not be deducted, in whole or in part, from the remuneration of individuals in his employ. In the payment of any contributions, a fractional part of a cent shall be disregarded unless it amounts to $0.005 or more, in which case it shall be increased to $0.01.

    (2) During the continuance of coverage of a worker by an approved private plan of disability benefits under the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law," the employer shall be exempt from the contributions required by subparagraph (1) above with respect to wages paid to such worker.

    (3) (A) The rates of contribution as specified in subparagraph (1) above shall be subject to modification as provided herein with respect to employer contributions due on and after July 1, 1951.

    (B) A separate disability benefits account shall be maintained for each employer required to contribute to the State disability benefits fund and such account shall be credited with contributions deposited in and credited to such fund with respect to employment occurring on and after January 1, 1949. Each employer's account shall be credited with all contributions paid on or before January 31 of any calendar year on his own behalf and on behalf of individuals in his service with respect to employment occurring in preceding calendar years; provided, however, that if January 31 of any calendar year falls on a Saturday or Sunday an employer's account shall be credited as of January 31 of such calendar year with all the contributions which he has paid on or before the next succeeding day which is not a Saturday or Sunday. But nothing in this act shall be construed to grant any employer or individuals in his service prior claims or rights to the amounts paid by him to the fund either on his own behalf or on behalf of such individuals. Benefits paid to any covered individual in accordance with Article III of the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law" on or before December 31 of any calendar year with respect to disability in such calendar year and in preceding calendar years shall be charged against the account of the employer by whom such individual was employed at the commencement of such disability or by whom he was last employed, if out of employment.

    (C) The controller may prescribe regulations for the establishment, maintenance, and dissolution of joint accounts by two or more employers, and shall, in accordance with such regulations and upon application by two or more employers to establish such an account, or to merge their several individual accounts in a joint account, maintain such joint account as if it constituted a single employer's account.

    (D) Prior to July 1 of each calendar year, the controller shall make a preliminary determination of the rate of contribution for the 12 months commencing on such July 1 for each employer subject to the contribution requirements of this subsection (e).

    (1) Such preliminary rate shall be 1/2 of 1% unless on the preceding January 31 of such year such employer shall have been a covered employer who has paid contributions to the State disability benefits fund with respect to employment in the three calendar years immediately preceding such year.

    (2) If the minimum requirements in (1) above have been fulfilled and the credited contributions exceed the benefits charged by more than $500.00, such preliminary rate shall be as follows:

    (i) 2/10 of 1% if such excess over $500.00 exceeds 1% but is less than 1 1/4% of his average annual payroll (as defined in this chapter (R.S.43:21-1 et seq.));

    (ii) 15/100 of 1% if such excess over $500.00 equals or exceeds 1 1/4% but is less than 1 1/2% of his average annual payroll;

    (iii) 1/10 of 1% if such excess over $500.00 equals or exceeds 1 1/2% of his average annual payroll.

    (3) If the minimum requirements in (1) above have been fulfilled and the contributions credited exceed the benefits charged but by not more than $500.00 plus 1% of his average annual payroll, or if the benefits charged exceed the contributions credited but by not more than $500.00, the preliminary rate shall be 1/4 of 1%.

    (4) If the minimum requirements in (1) above have been fulfilled and the benefits charged exceed the contributions credited by more than $500.00, such preliminary rate shall be as follows:

    (i) 35/100 of 1% if such excess over $500.00 is less than 1/4 of 1% of his average annual payroll;

    (ii) 45/100 of 1% if such excess over $500.00 equals or exceeds 1/4 of 1% but is less than 1/2 of 1% of his average annual payroll;

    (iii) 55/100 of 1% if such excess over $500.00 equals or exceeds 1/2 of 1% but is less than 3/4 of 1% of his average annual payroll;

    (iv) 65/100 of 1% if such excess over $500.00 equals or exceeds 3/4 of 1% but is less than 1% of his average annual payroll;

    (v) 75/100 of 1% if such excess over $500.00 equals or exceeds 1% of his average annual payroll.

    (5) Determination of the preliminary rate as specified in (2), (3) and (4) above shall be subject, however, to the condition that it shall in no event be decreased by more than 1/10 of 1% of wages or increased by more than 2/10 of 1% of wages from the preliminary rate determined for the preceding year in accordance with (1), (2), (3) or (4), whichever shall have been applicable.

    (E) (1) Prior to July 1 of each calendar year the controller shall determine the amount of the State disability benefits fund as of December 31 of the preceding calendar year, increased by the contributions paid thereto during January of the current calendar year with respect to employment occurring in the preceding calendar year. If such amount exceeds the net amount withdrawn from the unemployment trust fund pursuant to section 23 of the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law," P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-47) plus the amount at the end of such preceding calendar year of the unemployment disability account (as defined in section 22 of said law (C.43:21-46)), such excess shall be expressed as a percentage of the wages on which contributions were paid to the State disability benefits fund on or before January 31 with respect to employment in the preceding calendar year.

    (2) The controller shall then make a final determination of the rates of contribution for the 12 months commencing July 1 of such year for employers whose preliminary rates are determined as provided in (D) hereof, as follows:

    (i) If the percentage determined in accordance with paragraph (E)(1) of this subsection equals or exceeds 1 1/4%, the final employer rates shall be the preliminary rates determined as provided in (D) hereof, except that if the employer's preliminary rate is determined as provided in (D)(2) or (D)(3) hereof, the final employer rate shall be the preliminary employer rate decreased by such percentage of excess taken to the nearest 5/100 of 1%, but in no case shall such final rate be less than 1/10 of 1%.

    (ii) If the percentage determined in accordance with paragraph (E)(1) of this subsection equals or exceeds 3/4 of 1% and is less than 1 1/4 of 1%, the final employer rates shall be the preliminary employer rates.

    (iii) If the percentage determined in accordance with paragraph (E)(1) of this subsection is less than 3/4 of 1%, but in excess of 1/4 of 1%, the final employer rates shall be the preliminary employer rates determined as provided in (D) hereof increased by the difference between 3/4 of 1% and such percentage taken to the nearest 5/100 of 1%; provided, however, that no such final rate shall be more than 1/4 of 1% in the case of an employer whose preliminary rate is determined as provided in (D)(2) hereof, more than 1/2 of 1% in the case of an employer whose preliminary rate is determined as provided in (D)(1) and (D)(3) hereof, nor more than 3/4 of 1% in the case of an employer whose preliminary rate is determined as provided in (D)(4) hereof.

    (iv) If the amount of the State disability benefits fund determined as provided in paragraph (E)(1) of this subsection is equal to or less than 1/4 of 1%, then the final rate shall be 2/5 of 1% in the case of an employer whose preliminary rate is determined as provided in (D)(2) hereof, 7/10 of 1% in the case of an employer whose preliminary rate is determined as provided in (D)(1) and (D)(3) hereof, and 1.1% in the case of an employer whose preliminary rate is determined as provided in (D)(4) hereof. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or any determination made by the controller with respect to any 12-month period commencing on July 1, 1970, the final rates for all employers for the period beginning January 1, 1971, shall be as set forth herein.

(cf: P.L.1995, c.422, s.1)

 

    7. Section 4 of P.L.1971, c.346 (C.43:21-7.3) is amended to read as follows:

    4. (a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of the "unemployment compensation law" for the payment of contributions, benefits paid to individuals based upon wages earned in the employ of any governmental entity or instrumentality which is an employer defined under R.S.43:21-19(h)(5) shall, to the extent that such benefits are chargeable to the account of such governmental entity or instrumentality in accordance with the provisions of R.S.43:21-1 et seq., be financed by payments in lieu of contributions.

    (b) Any governmental entity or instrumentality may, as an alternative to financing benefits by payments in lieu of contributions, elect to pay contributions beginning with the date on which its subjectivity begins by filing written notice of its election with the department no later than 120 days after such subjectivity begins, provided that such election shall be effective for at least two full calendar years; or it may elect to pay contributions for a period of not less than two calendar years beginning January 1 of any year if written notice of such election is filed with the department not later than February 1 of such year; provided, further, that such governmental entity or instrumentality shall remain liable for payments in lieu of contributions with respect to all benefits paid based on base year wages earned in the employ of such entity or instrumentality in the period during which it financed its benefits by payments in lieu of contributions.

    (c) Any governmental entity or instrumentality may terminate its election to pay contributions as of January 1 of any year by filing written notice not later than February 1 of any year with respect to which termination is to become effective. It may not revert to a contributions method of financing for at least two full calendar years after such termination.

    (d) Any governmental entity or instrumentality electing the option for contributions financing shall report and pay contributions in accordance with the provisions of R.S.43:21-7 except that, notwithstanding the provisions of that section, the contribution rate for such governmental entity or instrumentality shall be 1% for the entire calendar year 1978 and the contribution rate for any subsequent calendar years shall be the rate established for governmental entities or instrumentalities under subsection (e) of this section.

    (e) On or before September 1 of each year, the Commissioner of Labor shall review the composite benefit cost experience of all governmental entities and instrumentalities electing to pay contributions and, on the basis of that experience, establish the contribution rate for the next following calendar year which can be expected to yield sufficient revenue in combination with worker contributions to equal or exceed the projected costs for that calendar year.

    (f) Any covered governmental entity or instrumentality electing to pay contributions shall each year appropriate, out of its general funds, moneys to pay the projected costs of benefits at the rate determined under subsection (e) of this section. These funds shall be held in a trust fund maintained by the governmental entity for this purpose. Any surplus remaining in this trust fund may be retained in reserve for payment of benefit costs for subsequent years either by contributions or payments in lieu of contributions.

    (g) Any governmental entity or instrumentality electing to finance benefit costs with payments in lieu of contributions shall pay into the fund an amount equal to all benefit costs for which it is liable pursuant to the provisions of the "unemployment compensation law." Each subject governmental entity or instrumentality shall require payments from its workers in the same manner and amount as prescribed under R.S.43:21-7(d) for governmental entities and instrumentalities financing their benefit costs with contributions. No such payment shall be used for a purpose other than to meet the benefits liability of such governmental entity or instrumentality. In addition, each subject governmental entity or instrumentality shall appropriate out of its general funds sufficient moneys which, in addition to any worker payments it requires, are necessary to pay its annual benefit costs estimated on the basis of its past benefit cost experience; provided that for its first year of coverage, its benefit costs shall be deemed to require an appropriation equal to 1% of the projected total of its taxable wages for the year. These appropriated moneys and worker payments shall be held in a trust fund maintained by the governmental entity or instrumentality for this purpose. Any surplus remaining in this trust fund shall be retained in reserve for payment of benefit costs in subsequent years. If a governmental entity or instrumentality requires its workers to make payments as authorized herein, such workers shall not be subject to the contributions required in R.S.43:21-7(d).

    (h) Notwithstanding the provisions of the above subsection (g), commencing July 1, 1986 worker contributions to the unemployment trust fund with respect to wages paid by any governmental entity or instrumentality electing or required to make payments in lieu of contributions, including the State of New Jersey, shall be made in accordance with the provisions of R.S.43:21-7(d)(1)(C) or R.S.43:21-7(d)(1)(D), as applicable, and, in addition, each governmental entity or instrumentality electing or required to make payments in lieu of contributions shall, except during the period starting January 1, 1993 and ending December 31, 1995 and the period starting April 1, 1996 and ending December 31, 1996 or, if the unemployment compensation fund reserve ratio, as determined pursuant to paragraph (5) of subsection (c) of R.S.43:21-7, decreases to a level of less than 4.00% on March 31 of calendar year 1994 or calendar year 1995, ending July 1 of that calendar year, require payments from its workers at the [rate of 0.50%] following rates of wages paid, which amounts are to be held in the trust fund maintained by the governmental entity or instrumentality for payment of benefit costs: for calendar year 1998 and each calendar year thereafter, 0.30%.

(cf: P.L.1992, c.205, s.1)

 

    8. Section 1 of P.L.1944, c.81(C.43:21-14.1) is amended to read as follows:

    1. Any employee who is paid wages by two or more employers aggregating more than [$3,000.00 during any calendar year prior to January 1, 1968, $3,600.00 during any calendar year commencing on or after January 1, 1968 and prior to January 1, 1972, $4,200.00 during any calendar year commencing on or after January 1, 1972 and prior to January 1, 1975, or $4,800.00 during any calendar year commencing on or after January 1, 1975, and prior to January 1, 1976, and thereafter] the amount of "wages" determined in accordance with the provisions of R.S.43:21-7(b)(3) shall be entitled to a refund of the amount of contributions deducted from such wages and paid to the Division of Employment Security in excess of the contribution which is determined pursuant to R.S.43:21-7(d)(1)(D) required on [$3,000.00 of such wages paid during any calendar year prior to January 1, 1968, $3,600.00 during any calendar year commencing on or after January 1, 1968 and prior to January 1, 1972, $4,200.00 during any calendar year commencing on or after January 1, 1972 and prior to January 1, 1975, or $4,800.00 during any calendar year commencing on or after January 1, 1975, and prior to January 1, 1976, and thereafter] the amount of "wages" determined in accordance with the provisions of R.S.43:21-7(b)(3) except that no such refund shall be made unless the employee makes a claim, establishing his right thereto, within 2 years after the calendar year in which the wages are paid with respect to which refund of contribution is claimed. No interest shall be allowed or paid with respect to any such refund.

(cf: P.L.1974, c.86, s.6)

 

    9. This act shall take effect immediately.

 

 

                             

 

Concerns unemployment compensation.