This bill amends R.S. 23:1595 and enacts R.S. 23:1606, focusing on unemployment compensation in Louisiana. The key changes include a reduction in the maximum duration of benefits from twenty-six weeks to a range of up to twenty weeks, depending on the average state seasonally adjusted unemployment rates. Specifically, the bill outlines a formula that sets the maximum duration of benefits based on the unemployment rate, with provisions for varying weeks of eligibility from twelve to twenty weeks based on specific thresholds of unemployment rates. Additionally, the Louisiana Workforce Commission is tasked with publishing the maximum number of weekly benefits available to claimants biannually.

The new section R.S. 23:1606 introduces extended benefits for individuals enrolled in approved training programs after exhausting their regular benefits. It defines terms such as "exhaustee" and "extended benefits," and establishes eligibility criteria for receiving these extended benefits, which include being an exhaustee and participating in an approved training program. The weekly extended benefit amount is set to equal the claimant's weekly benefit amount during their benefit year, with a total extended benefit cap of eight times this weekly amount. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
HB119 Original:
HB119 Engrossed:
HB119 Enrolled:
HB119 Act :