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Bill

A 6168

Increases the unemployment insurance minimum benefit amount

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jen Lunsford and 1 co-sponsor

Raises New York's unemployment insurance minimum benefit to provide higher baseline support for claimants, impacting workers, employers, and UI program operations.

PRINT NUMBER 6168A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 6168

Summary of Assembly Bill A 6168 (Unemployment Insurance minimum benefit increase)

Overview

Assembly Bill A 6168 aims to increase the minimum benefit amount for unemployment insurance (UI) in New York. The bill’s title indicates an intent to raise the floor of UI benefits, providing greater baseline support to eligible claimants.

Purpose and Intent

  • To bolster income support for workers who qualify for unemployment insurance by raising the program’s minimum weekly benefit.
  • Addresses concerns about inadequate baseline UI payments and potential alignment with economic conditions or wage benchmarks (specific formula not provided in the available information).

Key Provisions (as available)

  • The bill codifies an increase to the minimum unemployment insurance benefit amount.
  • Detailed mechanics (e.g., the exact new minimum, how the new minimum is calculated, any indexing to wages or inflation, funding sources, phase‑in timelines) are not provided in the available summary.
  • The bill’s current version is printed as 6168A, reflecting amendments made during the process.

Note: The text of the bill would specify the exact benefit level, the eligibility criteria for the minimum benefit, and the interaction with existing UI determinations. Those details are not included in the information provided.

Affected Parties

  • Unemployment insurance claimants who qualify for benefits (especially those near or at the current minimum).
  • Employers funding UI through state payroll taxes.
  • The state’s UI program administration, which would implement any changes to benefit calculations and related processes.

Legislative History and Status

  • Introduced: February 26, 2025.
  • Sponsored by: Primary sponsor Jen Lunsford; cosponsor MaryJane Shimsky.
  • Related bill: A 6752 (prior-session) — indicates a related or similar measure in a previous session.
  • Legislative actions:
    • February 26, 2025: Referred to the Labor Committee.
    • April 15, 2025: Amended and recommitted to Labor (two separate amend/recommit actions recorded).
    • April 15, 2025: Print version updated to 6168A (two entries show this action).
  • Current status: Print Number 6168A (indicating the latest publicly available version with amendments).

Fiscal and Administrative Implications (general considerations)

  • Likely increase in total UI benefit payouts, with corresponding impact on the UI Trust Fund and state unemployment insurance tax revenues from employers.
  • Administrative changes may be required to recompute minimum benefits, update IT systems, and train staff.
  • Policymakers may consider funding implications, potential federal UI constraints, and acceptable timelines for implementation.

Next Steps

  • If approved by the Labor Committee, the bill would proceed through floor consideration and, if passed, move to the other chamber and final gubernatorial action. The exact timeline depends on committee scheduling and legislative negotiations.

Notes

  • This summary reflects the information available for A 6168 as of the provided bill data. For precise text, dates, and numerical standards, consult the official NYS Assembly bill documents for 6168A and any subsequent amendments.

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

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