Substitute Bill No. 271 proposes significant amendments to existing labor laws and the management of the Unemployment Compensation Advance Fund, set to take effect on October 1, 2026. The bill allows unemployed individuals to limit their work availability to part-time employment with documentation from a broader range of health care providers, including physician's assistants and clinical social workers, thus expanding the definition of "illness or disability." It also grants the administrator the authority to abate uncollectible contributions and modifies the complaint process for employees wrongfully discharged for refusing to work more than six days a week. Additionally, the bill mandates that employees receive information about unemployment benefits upon termination and establishes the Unemployment Compensation Advance Fund, which will be managed by the State Treasurer.

Furthermore, the bill authorizes the issuance of revenue bonds up to one billion dollars to support the Unemployment Compensation Fund and outlines the management of these bonds, ensuring they are treated as negotiable instruments and providing tax exemptions for bondholders. It repeals Section 31-250a and makes various amendments to related sections, clarifying the state's obligations and the handling of pledged revenues. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sufficient balance in the federal Unemployment Trust Fund and aims to enhance the operational efficiency and financial management of the Unemployment Compensation Advance Fund while protecting the rights of bondholders.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 31-236, 31-266c, 53-303e
LAB Joint Favorable Substitute: 31-236, 31-266c, 53-303e, 31-236f, 31-264a, 31-264b, 31-250a
File No. 123: 31-236, 31-266c, 53-303e, 31-236f, 31-264a, 31-264b
JUD Joint Favorable: 31-236, 31-266c, 53-303e, 31-236f, 31-264a, 31-264b, 31-250a