Bill > HB812

This bill modifies Montana's unemployment laws to clarify eligibility for benefits for non-professional employees of educational institutions, aligning state law with federal requirements. Specifically, the bill amends existing statutes to exclude nonprofessional employees from certain restrictions that currently prevent employees of educational institutions from receiving unemployment benefits between academic years or terms. Under the current law, employees in instructional, research, or administrative roles are typically denied unemployment benefits during breaks between academic terms if they have a reasonable assurance of returning to work. The new provision creates an exception for nonprofessional employees, allowing them to potentially claim unemployment benefits during periods between academic years, in compliance with federal law (specifically 26 U.S.C. 3304(a)(6)(A)(ii)(I)). This change means that non-professional staff such as custodial, cafeteria, or support workers will have more flexibility in accessing unemployment benefits during periods when schools are not in session. The bill maintains existing restrictions for professional employees while providing a more nuanced approach for non-professional educational institution employees.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1406