AR SB875

Effective for initial claims filed on or after January 1, 2014 (or the first day of the calendar quarter after the federal nonreduction rule expires, whichever is later), amends Arkansas Code § 11-10-502(c) regarding weekly unemployment benefit amounts.

Establishes a new maximum weekly benefit amount of $325, replacing the previous $451 maximum.

Changes the calculation method for the maximum weekly benefit from 66⅔% to 60% of the state average weekly wage for insured employment for the previous calendar year.

Reduces weekly benefit amounts below the maximum by 10% from current levels, with a minimum floor of $81.00.