Bill > HB1849

This bill modifies the duration of unemployment benefits in Missouri by tying the number of weeks a worker can receive benefits directly to the state's unemployment rate. Under the proposed changes, the duration of unemployment benefits will range from 8 to 20 weeks, depending on the current unemployment rate. Specifically, workers will be eligible for 20 weeks of benefits if the unemployment rate is above 9 percent, and as few as 8 weeks if the unemployment rate is at or below 3.5 percent. The "Missouri unemployment rate" will be determined by the statewide unemployment rate published by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics on the date the initial benefits claim is filed. The new provisions are set to become effective on January 1, 2027, and require the division of employment security to create rules and regulations to implement these changes. The bill also includes some minor technical adjustments to existing unemployment benefit regulations, such as clarifying how certain types of pay like termination and severance pay are treated, and maintains existing procedures for electronic funds transfer and verification of claims.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1849&year=2026&code=R