This bill modifies the current unemployment compensation system by establishing a default maximum duration of benefits at 20 weeks, with the potential to extend this to 26 weeks during periods of elevated unemployment claims. Specifically, the bill repeals and reenacts RSA 282-A:25, which previously allowed for a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits. The new provisions stipulate that if the number of weekly unemployment claims exceeds 4,000 for three consecutive weeks, the maximum duration will automatically increase to 26 weeks. Conversely, if claims fall below this threshold for three consecutive weeks, the duration will revert to 20 weeks. Additionally, the Department of Employment Security is tasked with monitoring claims and publicly updating the eligibility status accordingly.

The bill does not include the statutory benefit table that previously guided the calculation of weekly benefit amounts based on a claimant's prior earnings, which raises concerns about the Department's ability to administer the new provisions effectively. As a result, the fiscal impact of the bill is deemed indeterminable, as it is unclear how the changes will affect total benefit payments, employer reimbursement obligations, or unemployment tax rates. The Department of Employment Security has indicated that without the benefit table, they cannot estimate the implications of the bill on the Unemployment Trust Fund or overall state revenues and expenditures.