The bill amends South Dakota's unemployment benefits law by reducing the maximum duration of reemployment benefits from twenty-six weeks to twelve weeks. Specifically, it modifies Section 61-6-8 to state that an individual's maximum benefit amount will now be capped at twelve times their weekly benefit amount, rather than the previous twenty-six weeks. This change aims to streamline the reemployment benefits system and potentially reduce state expenditures on unemployment assistance.

Additionally, the bill maintains provisions for trade readjustment payments, which allow individuals in approved training programs to receive benefits beyond the twelve-week limit, but only for the duration necessary to complete their training. The amendment also includes a stipulation regarding the calculation of extended benefits for individuals whose benefit year ends during an extended benefit period, ensuring that any trade readjustment allowances received are accounted for in the total weeks of extended benefits available.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 12/19/2025: 61-6-8