Bill > HB2198

This bill modifies Oregon's unemployment insurance (UI) law regarding benefits for nonprofessional educational workers, restoring previous restrictions that were previously repealed. Specifically, the bill reinstates provisions that limit UI benefits for certain nonprofessional school and college staff during periods between academic years. Under the proposed changes, workers in non-instructional roles (such as maintenance, janitorial, food service, and early intervention support) would be ineligible for unemployment benefits during breaks between academic years if they have a reasonable assurance of returning to work in the next term. The bill also specifies that if an educational institution does not offer work or provide assurance of returning, the separation would be considered an involuntary layoff. Workers who voluntarily choose not to accept a subsequent year's work offer would be considered as having voluntarily left their job. The amended law applies to nonprofessional workers at educational institutions operated by nonprofit organizations, the state, political subdivisions, or Indian tribes. The changes would take effect for unemployment weeks beginning on or after the bill's effective date, essentially reverting to a prior method of determining UI eligibility for educational workers during academic breaks.

Labor and Employment

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2198