Bill > S2405

This bill, titled "Improving vocational training opportunities for unemployed workers," proposes changes to Section 30 of Chapter 151A of the General Laws, which likely pertains to unemployment benefits and training programs. The key provisions involve extending the timeframe for applying for vocational training benefits from the "fifteenth" week to the "twentieth" week of a claim, both in terms of the written description and the numerical figure. It also introduces the possibility for this application period to be "tolled," meaning paused or extended, under specific circumstances outlined by regulation, and allows for waivers of the application deadline for "good cause." Furthermore, the bill clarifies that a claimant will not be prevented from starting training if their initial claim for regular benefits was denied but later overturned after the 31st week of their benefit year. Finally, the department will be required to provide claimants with written information about benefit eligibility in their primary language, including the new 20-week application deadline, unless the period is tolled or waived. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2017.