Senate Bill 1411 Summary

• Increases the maximum weekly unemployment benefit amount from $240 to $320 upon the effective date, and to $400 beginning July 1 following the year the state qualifies for a federal interest-free unemployment insurance loan under 20 CFR 606.32.

• Changes the duration of benefits based on the prior quarter's unemployment rate: 26 weeks if 6% or higher, 22 weeks if 4.25%-5.99%, or 20 weeks if below 4.25%; extends 26-week eligibility during state emergencies requiring business closures.

• Increases the wage taxable limit for unemployment insurance contributions from $7,000 to $8,000 beginning January 1, 2022.

• Requires the Department of Economic Security to verify employment and income using real-time data from third-party vendors to detect fraudulent claims and reduce erroneous employer communications.

• Mandates annual fraud reports to the governor and legislature detailing the number of fraudulent claims, total fraud payments, and impacts on employer contribution rates, effective December 31, 2021.