MO HB163

Reduces maximum unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 20 times a claimant's weekly benefit amount during any benefit year.

Makes claimants ineligible for waiting week credit or benefits if they have an outstanding penalty based on an overpayment of benefits.

Extends the deadline for federal unemployment compensation funding from March 3, 2011 to August 28, 2013, allowing Missouri to receive additional extended federal unemployment benefits under Public Law 111-5.

Requires the Division of Employment Security to verify claimant identities through Social Security number and date of birth matching for remote claims filed by telephone or internet, and cross-check applicants weekly with federal Social Security data and monthly with state driver's license databases.

Declares the act an emergency measure effective immediately upon passage to assist Missouri residents during economic hardship.