Bill > S0037

This bill amends Vermont's unemployment insurance laws to make two key changes. First, it modifies how wages are calculated when determining partial unemployment benefits by clarifying that only earnings above 50% of an individual's weekly wages will be considered, with the amount rounded to the nearest dollar. Second, and more significantly, the bill eliminates a previous restriction that denied unemployment benefits to educational institution employees who work in non-instructional, non-research, and non-administrative roles during periods between academic terms. Specifically, the bill repeals a provision that previously prevented such employees from receiving unemployment benefits if they had a reasonable assurance of returning to work in the next academic term. This change means that educational workers in roles like support staff, maintenance, or other non-academic positions will now be eligible for unemployment benefits between academic terms, expanding access to unemployment insurance for these workers. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage, potentially providing more financial stability for educational institution employees who previously were ineligible for unemployment benefits during academic breaks.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.37