HB 331 - 2021 Unemployment Insurance Reform

• Increase maximum weekly unemployment benefit from $350 to $500, adjusted annually for inflation based on Consumer Price Index changes
• Extend maximum benefit duration to 26 weeks with the number of weeks varying between 12-20 based on seasonal adjusted statewide unemployment rates
• Expand eligibility to include workers leaving employment for spousal relocation, health reasons, undue family hardship (childcare/elder care issues), or domestic violence
• Authorize forgiveness of nonfraudulent overpayments caused by Division error and prevent charging such overpayments to employer accounts
• Establish short-time compensation program allowing employers to reduce employee hours by 10-60% as alternative to layoffs, with employees receiving prorated unemployment benefits while maintaining health and retirement benefits