Bill > HB199

This bill introduces a new sliding scale for determining the maximum amount of unemployment benefits an individual can receive during a benefit year in Texas, based on the state's average unemployment rate. Under the proposed law, the maximum number of benefit payments will range from 20 to 27 times an individual's standard benefit amount, depending on the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate from the most recent completed calendar quarter. For example, if the unemployment rate is 6.5% or lower, an individual would receive 20 times their benefit amount, while if the rate is between 9.6% and 10%, they would receive 27 times their benefit amount. The bill repeals the existing Section 207.005 of the Labor Code and amends related sections to reflect this new sliding scale. These changes will apply only to unemployment claims filed with the Texas Workforce Commission on or after January 1, 2026, meaning claims filed before that date will be governed by the previous law. The goal appears to be providing more flexible unemployment benefits that can respond to changing economic conditions by offering additional support during periods of higher unemployment.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB199