Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt an amendment to SB 810 that expands eligibility for unemployment benefits, which ensures the state's eligibility to receive a portion of federal funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("stimulus bill").

Highlights:

-Expands unemployment benefits eligibility to include the following (Sec. 7):

-Individuals available for only part-time work, provided that individual has a history of part-time employment, is actively seeking and willing to accept employment under the same conditions that existed when the wage credits were accrued, and is in a labor market in which there is a "reasonable demand" for the part-time services the individual is offering; -Individuals that voluntarily terminated employment due to domestic violence, provided that the court has issued an injunction, protective order, or other such "reasonable and confidential" documentation to "reasonably believe" that continued employment will jeopardize the safety of the individual, a member of their family, or other employees; -Individuals that voluntarily terminated employment due to the illness or disability of a member of their immediate family; -Individuals that voluntarily terminated employment due to a need to accompany their spouse to a place from which it is impractical for the individual to commute or due to a change in the location of the spouse's employment; and -Individuals that have provided notification to their employer indicating their intent to voluntarily terminate their employment and the employer has discharged the individual for reasons other than misconduct prior to the date in which the termination was to take effect, provided that the individual receives the benefits from the date of the employer's discharge until the effective date of their voluntary termination.

Full Bill Text