Bill > HB2494

This bill extends the maximum duration of unemployment benefits in Missouri from 20 weeks to 26 weeks, while making a few technical modifications to the existing unemployment insurance law. The bill removes a previous section that tied the number of weeks of unemployment benefits to Missouri's average unemployment rate and replaces it with a straightforward 26-week maximum benefit period. Additionally, the bill makes a minor technical change to how military training pay is referenced (changing "Section 502(a)(1) of Title 32, United States Code" to "32 U.S.C. Section 502(a)(1)"). The bill also adjusts the maximum total amount of benefits payable to an individual, allowing them to receive up to 26 times their weekly benefit amount, which is consistent with the extended benefit duration. Other provisions of the existing law remain largely unchanged, including how benefits are calculated, paid, and verified, ensuring that the core structure of Missouri's unemployment insurance system remains the same while providing slightly longer support for unemployed workers.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2494&year=2026&code=R