This bill establishes an additional unemployment benefits program specifically for individuals laid off from the iron ore mining industry or related employers in Minnesota. The program is available to applicants who were laid off after May 19, 2025, and who have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits. To qualify, applicants must have established a benefit account with at least 50% of their wage credits from an eligible employer and meet the same requirements as those applying for regular unemployment benefits. The additional benefits will be equal to the weekly amount of regular unemployment benefits and can be received for up to 26 weeks, ending on May 30, 2026.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the process for applicants who qualify for a new regular benefit account after exhausting their initial benefits. It specifies that additional unemployment benefits will not affect the future unemployment tax rates for employers, except for those in the iron ore mining sector. Additionally, individuals who are eligible for federal Trade Readjustment Allowance benefits will not qualify for these additional state benefits. The provisions of this bill will take effect the day after it is enacted.