Participation in certain training by unemployment insurance claimants, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

Currently, unemployment insurance (UI) benefits may not be denied to an otherwise eligible individual because the individual is enrolled in a vocational training course or a basic education course that is a prerequisite to such training ("approved training") under certain conditions. Current law also permits a claimant who has exhausted all rights to benefits and is enrolled in an approved training course that meets certain qualifications to potentially qualify to receive up to 26 weeks of additional benefits while enrolled in that training ("extended training"). A claimant who is enrolled in approved or extended training is not subject to certain benefit denials or reductions that would otherwise preclude the claimant from claiming benefits while enrolled in approved or extended training.

This bill creates a pilot program of special occupational training that is not approved training. The bill directs the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to designate three areas served by local workforce development boards in which the program shall be offered. Under the bill, DWD must offer the program throughout each designated area. Under the bill, the training consists of voluntary six-week placements of UI claimants for 20 to 24 hours per week with employers who elect to offer the training directly. A trainee may not be an employee of the employer offering the training. The bill directs DWD to accept applications from employers who wish to offer the training and to place claimants who wish to participate in available openings. On the application, an employer must affirm that it currently has one job opening for each training participant that it seeks in a position that a successful participant would potentially qualify to fill. Under the bill, no claimant may receive more than two placements during a benefit year (period during which benefits are payable). In addition, no claimant may receive a placement for any week beginning after the end of the first 26 weeks of the claimant's benefit year. The bill provides that a claimant who receives special occupational training is not disqualified from receiving UI benefits solely as a result of participating in the training. The bill requires each claimant to maintain eligibility for UI benefits while participating in the training. Under the bill, a claimant who participates in special occupational training receives a stipend of $75 from DWD for each week in which the claimant participates in the training. The bill appropriates general purpose revenue to make the payments. The bill also provides that a claimant who is participating in special occupational training is considered an employee of the state for purposes of worker's compensation benefits and prohibits such a claimant from making a claim or brining on action in tort against the employer that provided the special occupational training. The program created by the bill does not apply after June 30, 2015.

Who's behind it

6 senators are its authors⁠. 4 are Republicans and 2 are Democrats.

27 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• Fiscal Estimate From DWD
• Fiscal Estimate From DWD (Updated)

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment SA1-SB352
• LC Amendment Memo