Bill > HB131

This bill modifies the duration of unemployment insurance benefits in Montana by creating a new tier of benefits for specific types of workers. Under the existing law, unemployment benefits were calculated based on a sliding scale related to the ratio of total base period earnings to the highest quarter of earnings. The bill introduces a special provision for job-attached claimants, union-attached claimants, and individuals unemployed due to mass layoffs as defined by the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act. For these specific worker categories, the bill establishes a new benefits table that provides a more generous range of weeks of benefits, starting at 8 weeks for workers with a base period earnings ratio of 1.00-1.25 and increasing up to 24 weeks for workers with a base period earnings ratio of 3.00 and higher. The bill will become effective on July 5, 2025, and will apply to unemployment insurance claims filed on or after that date, potentially providing more extended support for workers in certain employment circumstances who experience job loss.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3548