Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands unemployment compensation.

Highlights:

• Amends the definition of "base period" to mean the 4 most recently completed calendar quarters immediately preceding the start of the benefit year only if the individual does not qualify for any benefits under the Wyoming Statute (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that no individual may be denied regular or extended benefits because he or she is seeking only part-time work (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that an individual may collect compensation for separating from employment for compelling family reasons including, but not limited to, the following (Sec. 2):
• Occurrence of sexual assault or domestic violence;
• Need to care for an immediate family member with a chronic illness; or
• A change in location of the spouse's employment.

• Specifies that the benefit obtained will be the lesser of the following amounts (Sec. 2):
• 50 percent of the total regular benefits payable to that individual in that year; or
• 13 times the individual's weekly benefit amount in that year.

• This act is effective July 1, 2011 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text