Bill > H1743

This bill proposes to establish a civilian conservation corps to encourage community service among individuals who have been unemployed for extended periods. Specifically, it amends existing law (chapter 151A of the General Laws) to require that individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits for more than 180 consecutive days within a year must complete 6 hours of weekly public community service, supervised by the executive office of environmental affairs, as a condition for continuing to receive those benefits. For those who have received unemployment benefits for over 365 days within a two-year period, the requirement increases to 12 hours of weekly community service under the same conditions. The secretary of the executive office of environmental affairs is authorized to collaborate with other state or local agencies to manage and oversee these community service volunteers.