This bill establishes an additional unemployment benefits program specifically for employees in the iron ore mining industry and related sectors who are laid off due to a significant reduction in workforce. The program is available to applicants who were laid off between March 15, 2025, and June 16, 2025, from employers in the iron ore mining industry that laid off 40% or more of their workforce, or from explosive manufacturing employers providing services to these mining companies. Eligible applicants must have established a benefit account with at least 50% of their wage credits from qualifying employers and must have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits.

The bill outlines the eligibility requirements for receiving these additional benefits, which can be claimed through the week ending June 19, 2026. The weekly benefit amount will match the regular unemployment benefit amount, with a maximum of 26 weeks of additional payments available. It also includes provisions for applicants who qualify for a new regular benefit account after exhausting their initial benefits, detailing how to navigate between the two types of benefits. Notably, individuals who qualify for federal Trade Readjustment Allowance benefits are excluded from receiving these additional unemployment benefits. The provisions of this bill are effective retroactively from March 15, 2025.