CA SB968

Establishes the California Training Benefits Program, making unemployed individuals automatically eligible for training and retraining benefits if they meet specified criteria, without requiring a separate eligibility determination application.

Expands eligibility for training benefits to include individuals enrolled in community colleges, public postsecondary programs, public-funded education and training programs, and journey-level union members receiving industry-related training.

Eliminates the 16-week deadline for applying for training benefit eligibility extensions, allowing any unemployed individual receiving unemployment compensation benefits to receive up to 52 times their weekly benefit amount to complete approved training.

Requires the Employment Development Department to publicize and promote training and retraining benefits on its Internet website in addition to existing verbal and written notification requirements.

Makes an appropriation to the Unemployment Fund to cover increased benefit payments resulting from the expanded eligibility criteria and automatic enrollment provisions.