The bill amends Section 28-42-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-42, which deals with "Employment Security General Provisions," by introducing a new section titled "Definitions." This section clarifies key terms relevant to unemployment insurance. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "Partial unemployment" to extend the threshold date for determining partial unemployment benefits from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026. This change allows employees to be considered partially unemployed if they earn less than 150% of their weekly benefit rate for total unemployment.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 28-44-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-44, which pertains to "Employment Security Benefits." It introduces new legal language regarding partial unemployment benefits, stating that individuals who are partially unemployed and eligible will receive benefits that, when combined with their wages, equal the weekly benefit rate for total unemployment. The bill also eliminates the sunset provision on the increase in the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant can receive before being entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits, as well as the increase in the amount of earnings disregarded when calculating a weekly benefit rate, extending these provisions from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026. Overall, the act aims to provide greater financial support to individuals facing partial unemployment. The bill will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5448: 28-42-3
5448  as amended: 28-42-3, 28-44-7