Bill > HB0006

This bill makes several changes to Wyoming's unemployment insurance system, primarily reducing the maximum number of weeks of unemployment benefits from 26 to 20 for most workers and creating a special provision for seasonal or temporarily laid-off workers. The bill renames the "Unemployment Insurance Commission" to the "Reemployment Insurance Commission" to emphasize the goal of helping workers return to employment. For seasonal or temporarily laid-off workers who are attached to their regular place of employment, the existing 26-week benefit maximum will remain in place, defined as workers who are seasonal employees or those expecting to return to their job within 12 months. The bill also appropriates $18,000 to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services to update and administer the unemployment insurance system, with funds allocated from the general fund and set to expire on June 30, 2027. These changes will apply to all unemployment claims filed on or after January 1, 2027, with most provisions becoming effective on that date, though some administrative sections will take effect immediately upon the bill becoming law. The overall intent appears to be to modify unemployment benefits to encourage more rapid reemployment while providing some flexibility for workers with strong ties to their existing employment.

Labor, Health and Social Services (Joint)

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0006