636                               Laws of Maryland                        [Ch. 441

meeting the requirements of this Article that he be able to work and
otherwise fully available for work.

(c) (1) During any two quarters of his base period he has been

paid wages for insured work equal to not less than one and one half

times the upper limit of the division for which his high quarter earn-

ings qualify as shown in the Schedule of Benefits set forth in Section

3 (b) of this Act, said sum to be earned in not less than two quarters

[ thirty (30) times his weekly benefit amount ]; and

(2) During that calendar quarter of his base period in which his

total wages were highest, he has been paid for insured work at least

One Hundred Ninety two Dollars and One Cent ($192.01) [One
Hundred and Fifty six Dollars ($156.00)].

5. An individual shall be disqualified for benefits—

[(a) Criminal Act.—For any week in which his unemployment is
clue to his haying been discharged or separated for an indefinite
period from his work for a dishonest or criminal act committed in
connection with or materially affecting his work, if so found by the
Board, or for any wilful act endangering the safety of others, if so
found by the Board. When an individual is so disqualified for benefits,
he shall not thereafter be entitled to any benefits under this Article
on account of wages paid to him prior to the discharge or separation
for which he is so disqualified.]

(b) Voluntary Quit (A) VOLUNTARY QUIT.—For [any] the
week in which his unemployment is due to his leaving work volun-
tarily without good cause, [or his actual or threatened deliberate and
wilful misconduct in connection with his work.] if so found by the
Board and for not less than the one nor more than nine weeks which
immediately follow such week as determined by the Board in each case.
[Such disqualification shall continue until such individual has become
reemployed and has earnings equal to at least ten (10) times his
weekly benefit amount]

(b 1) Gross Misconduct (B) GROSS MISCONDUCT.—For any

week in which his unemployment is due to his having been discharged
for gross misconduct connected with his work, if so found by the
Board. Such disqualification shall continue until such individual has
become reemployed and has earnings therein equal to at least ten
(10) times his weekly benefit amount.

[(ca) Not Sought Work.—In determining whether or not the
claimant has actively sought work, the Board shall consider whether
the efforts he has made to obtain work have been reasonable and are
such efforts as an unemployed individual is expected to make if he
is honestly looking for work. The extent of the effort required shall
depend on the labor market conditions in the claimant's area.

Provided, that when an employer closes its entire plant or any por-
tion of the plant for a vacation or inventory or other purpose causing
unemployment for a certain and definable period not exceeding three
(3) weeks in any benefit year, the Board is authorized to exempt the
employees who thereby become unemployed from producing evidence
required under this Section of the law, if it is found by the Board that
the circumstances and labor market conditions justify such exemp-
tion; however, such employees must comply with the provisions of
Section 4 (a) and must be able to work and available for work. Ex-