Bill > S1016

This bill proposes changes to Massachusetts unemployment insurance laws, primarily affecting how benefits are calculated and the duration for which they can be received. It amends existing provisions to adjust the minimum wage requirements for qualifying for unemployment benefits, ensuring these amounts are updated annually based on minimum wage increases. The bill also modifies the calculation of total unemployment benefits an individual can receive during their "benefit year" (the 12-month period following the filing of an unemployment claim), generally setting it at 36% of base period wages or 30 times the weekly benefit rate, whichever is less, plus dependency benefits. However, if the state-wide unemployment rate is 5.1% or lower, this maximum benefit duration is reduced to 26 times the weekly benefit rate. Crucially, if the unemployment rate is between 5.1% and 7.0%, individuals seeking benefits beyond 26 weeks may be required to participate in an unpaid internship program approved by the commissioner for up to four additional weeks, with each week of benefits beyond 26 requiring a week of internship participation. If the unemployment rate exceeds 7.1%, benefits are capped at 30 weeks and are not conditional on internship participation. The bill also introduces a provision to expedite employer responses in unemployment claims, requiring a final determination within 30 days if the employer replies within 10 days, unless good cause for delay is documented. Finally, a section clarifies that certain benefit adjustments related to federal funding will not take effect if federal funds are unavailable after state benefits are exhausted.