This bill amends Section 51-1-5 of the New Mexico Unemployment Insurance law to clarify the definition of "reasonable assurance" for employees of educational institutions. The new language specifies that "reasonable assurance" requires a written, oral, or implied offer of employment for the following academic year or term from an individual with the authority to make such offers. Additionally, the employment must be in a similar or higher position than the previous role, with compensation not less than 90% of what the claimant earned in the current academic year. The offer must also not be contingent on factors within the educational institution's control, such as course programming or funding decisions.

The bill also includes provisions that ensure benefits are not denied to individuals who have been denied employment opportunities for the subsequent academic year or term, allowing for retroactive payments for weeks claimed and certified for benefits. Furthermore, it clarifies that these provisions apply to all educational institutions operating in New Mexico, whether public or private, and outlines that individuals in training approved by the division will not be denied benefits. Overall, the bill aims to provide clearer guidelines for determining eligibility for unemployment benefits for educational employees during periods of unemployment between academic terms.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 51-1-5