House Bill 480 Summary

• Removes the unemployment rate-based sliding scale for benefit weeks (previously ranging 10-26 weeks) and replaces it with a fixed benefit table based solely on the ratio of total base period earnings to highest quarter earnings.

• Establishes a simplified benefit structure with 10 weeks of benefits for earnings ratios between 1.25 and 2.00, and 14 weeks for earnings ratios between 2.0001 and 4.00.

• Allows eligible individuals whose former employer certifies they will return to work within 20 weeks to receive an additional 6 weeks of benefits beyond the base entitlement.

• Maintains existing provisions on weekly benefit amount calculations (1/26 of highest quarter wages), maximum weekly benefit caps (55% of state average weekly wage), and minimum wage eligibility requirements.

• Effective date is January 1, 2025.