The bill amends Section 28-42-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-42, which deals with "Employment Security General Provisions." It introduces a new section titled "Definitions," which clarifies key terms related to unemployment insurance. The bill specifies that for weeks beginning on or after May 23, 2021, an employee shall be deemed partially unemployed in any week of less than full-time work. It also modifies the definition of wages to include only that part of remuneration for any work that exceeds a certain threshold.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 28-44-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-44, which pertains to "Employment Security Benefits." It establishes that individuals who are partially unemployed and eligible will receive benefits that, when combined with their wages, equal the weekly benefit rate for full unemployment. The bill eliminates the sunset provision that previously limited the increased earnings threshold and the amount of earnings disregarded when calculating a weekly benefit rate to June 30, 2025, allowing these changes to remain in effect indefinitely. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
622: 28-42-3
622  as amended: 28-42-3, 28-44-7