HB 308 Summary

• Protects otherwise qualified insured workers from disqualification for unemployment benefits for 120 days due to conduct related to COVID-19, including providing care, preventing disease spread, or preventing economic loss.

• Eliminates waiting week limitations under AS 23.20.375(b) for the duration of a state or national emergency for COVID-19.

• Increases dependent allowance from standard rates to $75 per week for each dependent during the state or national emergency, with no limit on total dependent allowances per week.

• Allows the commissioner of labor and workforce development to adopt regulations necessary to implement the act without following the Administrative Procedure Act.

• Takes effect immediately and is retroactive to March 1, 2020; entire act repeals on April 1, 2021.