HB539 Summary

• Amends Section 25-4-72 of the Alabama Code to increase the weekly maximum unemployment benefit to $275 for benefit years beginning on or after July 5, 2013.

• Establishes an additional increase to $285 for benefit years beginning on or after July 5, 2014.

• Maintains calculation method based on one twenty-sixth of average wages from the two highest-earning quarters of the base period, with minimum threshold of $44.50.

• Provides that if federal law requires a greater maximum weekly benefit amount for full tax credit approval, the federal requirement shall apply instead.

• Became effective immediately upon passage and Governor approval (passed House on April 18, 2013, with vote of 54-33-6).