The bill amends Section 28-42-3 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-42, introducing a new section titled "Definitions" that clarifies key terms related to employment security. It revises the criteria for determining eligibility for benefits, particularly in relation to the calculation of wages and the conditions for being considered partially or totally unemployed. Specifically, it states that an employee is deemed partially unemployed if they earn less than 150% of their weekly benefit rate for total unemployment, and it removes the previous sunset provision that limited this definition to the period from May 23, 2021, through June 30, 2025.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 28-44-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 28-44, which addresses "Partial unemployment benefits." It ensures that eligible individuals can receive benefits that, when combined with their wages, equal the total weekly benefit rate for full unemployment. The bill eliminates the sunset provision that would have expired on June 30, 2025, which restricted the amount of earnings a claimant could receive before being disqualified from benefits. This change aims to provide greater financial support for individuals experiencing partial unemployment. The bill will take effect upon passage.

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