HB5794 Summary

• Creates a shared work benefits program under the Unemployment Insurance Act allowing individuals to receive partial benefits when employers reduce their hours by at least 10% as part of a workforce stabilization plan involving at least 10% of the regular permanent workforce.

• Establishes weekly benefit amounts equal to 50% of the lesser of the individual's current full-time weekly wage or the statewide average weekly wage, multiplied by the percentage of wage reduction (rounded to nearest 10%).

• Limits shared work benefits to a maximum of 20 weeks during any 52 consecutive week period and prohibits individuals from claiming other unemployment insurance benefits simultaneously.

• Requires employers to submit biweekly forms, employee certifications, and full payment for all benefits to the Department of Employment Security, with funds deposited into a newly created Shared Work Benefits Fund.

• Effective July 1, 2012; requires written agreement from both employer and applicable bargaining agents; does not affect pension or insurance benefits and exempts participants from work registration or job-seeking requirements.