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HF 455

A bill for an act relating to the maximum amount of unemployment benefits payable during a benefit year.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jerome Amos and 15 co-sponsors

Bill HF 455 enhances unemployment benefits by adjusting calculations and extending support for those laid off due to business closures, improving financial stability.

Introduced, referred to Labor and Workforce.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 455

Summary of Bill HF 455

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HF 455
  • Title: A bill for an act relating to the maximum amount of unemployment benefits payable during a benefit year.
  • Status: Introduced, referred to Labor and Workforce.
  • Introduced Date: February 18, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Unemployment Compensation

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill HF 455 is to amend existing regulations regarding the maximum amount of unemployment benefits that can be paid to eligible individuals during a benefit year. The bill aims to provide clarity and potentially enhance the benefits available to those who are unemployed due to specific circumstances, such as business closures.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following changes to Section 96.3 of the Code 2025:

  1. Maximum Benefit Calculation:

    • The maximum total amount of unemployment benefits payable to an eligible individual during a benefit year will be the lesser of:
      • The total wage credits accrued to the individual’s account during their base period.
      • Sixteen or twenty-six times the individual’s weekly benefit amount, depending on specific conditions.

  2. Wage Credits:

    • The director will maintain a separate account for each individual earning wages in insured work.
    • Wage credits will be computed by crediting one-third of the wages for insured work paid during the base period.
    • For individuals laid off due to their employer going out of business, wage credits will be adjusted to one-half of the wages during the base period.

  3. Benefit Charging:

    • Benefits paid will be charged against the base period wage credits in the individual’s account in inverse chronological order.

  4. Extended Benefits:

    • If the state "off" indicator is in effect and an individual is laid off due to their employer's business closure, the maximum benefits payable may be extended to twenty-six times the individual’s weekly benefit amount, not exceeding the total wage credits accrued.

Impact

  • Affected Individuals: The bill primarily affects unemployed individuals who are eligible for unemployment benefits, particularly those laid off due to business closures.
  • Potential Benefits: By adjusting the calculation of maximum benefits and extending eligibility under certain conditions, the bill aims to provide additional support to those facing unemployment, thereby potentially improving their financial stability during periods of job loss.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on February 18, 2025, and has been referred to the Labor and Workforce committee for further consideration. The timeline for further legislative action has not yet been established.

This summary provides an overview of Bill HF 455, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and potential impact on individuals seeking unemployment benefits.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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