CA ABX323

Establishes temporary federal-state Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits for eligible individuals in California for weeks of unemployment beginning February 1, 2009, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Creates an "on" indicator for extended benefits when the average rate of total unemployment in California equals or exceeds 6.5 percent and meets year-over-year growth thresholds, or when insured unemployment rates meet specified federal criteria.

Increases extended compensation account amounts during high unemployment periods by raising percentages from 50 percent to 80 percent and extending benefit duration from 13 to 20 times the average weekly benefit amount.

Requires individuals to have earnings exceeding either 40 times their most recent weekly benefit amount or 1.5 times the highest quarter in the base period to qualify for federal-state extended benefits.

Declares the bill an urgency statute addressing the fiscal emergency proclaimed by the Governor on December 19, 2008, and makes an appropriation from the Unemployment Fund.