This bill proposes to amend the current unemployment benefits statute by modifying the duration of benefits based on the unemployment rate in the prior calendar quarter. Under current law, the duration of benefits is capped at 26 weeks if the unemployment rate is 5% or more, and 24 weeks if it is less than 5%. The bill would change this to a tiered system where individuals could receive benefits for as few as 12 weeks if the unemployment rate is 5% or less, and up to 26 weeks if the unemployment rate exceeds 8%.

The proposed changes include specific increments for unemployment rates between 5% and 8%, allowing for 14 weeks for rates above 5% but not exceeding 5.5%, 16 weeks for rates above 5.5% but not exceeding 6%, and so forth, up to 26 weeks for rates above 8%. This new structure aims to provide a more responsive approach to unemployment benefits, aligning the duration of assistance with the prevailing economic conditions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-780