HI HB1005

Redefines "benefit year" as a 52-week period beginning when an individual files a new valid claim for benefits, or 53 weeks if filing would overlap a quarter of a previously filed claim's base year, with subsequent benefit years unable to start until the current year expires.

Redefines "week" as a seven-day period commencing Sunday and ending Saturday at midnight, removing the department's discretion to define it by rule.

Simplifies partial unemployment claim filing procedures by conforming them to the same requirements as total or part-total unemployment benefits.

Allows the Director of Labor and Industrial Relations to omit benefits charged to employers' experience rating accounts for calendar years 2020 and 2021 to address COVID-19 disruptions.

Sets employer contribution rate schedules at schedule D for calendar year 2021, schedule F for calendar year 2022, and schedule G for calendar year 2023, regardless of the reserve fund ratio.