The bill amends Section 28-42-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-42, which governs "Employment Security — General Provisions." It introduces a new section titled "Definitions," clarifying key terms such as "Administration account," "Average weekly wage," "Base period," and "Benefit." The bill also updates the criteria for determining an individual's base period and benefit year, ensuring fair treatment for those who have received workers' compensation benefits. Additionally, it modifies existing definitions, including "Credit week," to streamline language and clarify eligibility and benefit calculations, ultimately aiming to modernize the employment security system.

Moreover, the bill revises the definitions of "employment" and "partial unemployment," establishing that domestic service will only be considered employment if cash remuneration of $1,000 or more is paid in a calendar quarter. It deletes the previous definition of partial unemployment and introduces a new threshold, stating that an employee is partially unemployed if they earn less than 150% of their weekly benefit rate. The bill also eliminates the sunset provision set to expire on June 30, 2025, which limited earnings for partial-unemployment insurance claimants, and increases the amount of earnings disregarded in calculating weekly benefit rates. It further clarifies the treatment of certain payments in relation to unemployment insurance, with the act taking effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5448: 28-42-3