Senate Bill No. 8, also known as Public Act No. 25-64, aims to enhance protections for workers and their rights regarding unemployment benefits in the context of labor disputes. The bill modifies the existing law by repealing subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 31-236 and replacing it with new provisions effective October 1, 2025. The key changes include the stipulation that individuals whose unemployment is due to a labor dispute, other than a lockout, will not be eligible for benefits unless certain conditions are met. Specifically, for disputes beginning on or after December 14, 2026, the dispute must be continuous for fourteen days, and the individual must not be participating in or financially interested in the dispute.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of a lockout and outlines the circumstances under which it occurs, emphasizing the employer's actions in relation to labor disputes. The language changes include the deletion of the word "provided" and the insertion of "except that," along with the introduction of specific criteria for determining eligibility for unemployment benefits during labor disputes. The bill was ultimately vetoed by the Governor on June 23, 2025.