AZ HB2735

Adds section 23-771.02 to Arizona Revised Statutes to establish a self-employment assistance program for unemployed individuals who have exhausted regular unemployment benefits.

Eligible participants must be individuals involuntarily separated from employment due to permanent workplace closures or separated from declining occupations, and must be enrolled in an approved self-employment assistance program preparing them for high-demand occupations.

Weekly benefits paid equal the individual's average weekly benefit amount from their most recent benefit year, minus any deductible income, for a maximum total of 26 weeks of benefits.

Approved programs must include entrepreneurial training, business counseling, technical assistance, and other full-time activities related to establishing a business and becoming self-employed.