The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 268.085, subdivision 7, to clarify the conditions under which wage credits from employment at educational institutions can be used for unemployment benefits. It specifies that wage credits cannot be utilized for unemployment benefits during the period between two successive academic years or terms if there is reasonable assurance of continued employment in the following term. The bill introduces new criteria for establishing "reasonable assurance" for applicants employed in instructional or research capacities at institutions of higher education, requiring that the offer of employment be written and not contingent on factors such as enrollment or funding, or that a contract be executed guaranteeing a payment if employment is not continued.

Additionally, the bill outlines that this subdivision applies to various types of employment with educational institutions, including those with educational service agencies and nonprofit organizations. It also clarifies that the effective date for these changes is July 1, 2026, and they will apply to eligibility determinations made on or after that date. The amendments aim to provide clearer guidelines for both applicants and educational institutions regarding unemployment benefits and employment assurances.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 268.085