HB 470 Summary

• Redefines "benefit year" as a 52-consecutive-week period starting when an individual files a new valid claim, with a 53-week exception to prevent overlapping base year quarters, and prohibits establishing a subsequent benefit year until the current one expires

• Redefines "week" as a seven-day period commencing Sunday and ending Saturday at midnight, replacing the previous flexible departmental definition

• Simplifies partial unemployment claim filing procedures to conform with the same requirements and timelines as total or part-total unemployment benefits claims

• Allows the director of labor and industrial relations to omit benefits charged to employers' accounts when calculating experience ratings for calendar years 2021 and 2022 to address COVID-19 disruptions

• Sets employer contribution rate schedules at schedule C for 2021, schedule D for 2022, and schedule E for 2023, with amendments retroactive to January 1, 2021