How SB 159 changes current law

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends unemployment benefits regulations, including eligibility determination processes and the calculation of benefits based on state average unemployment rates.

• AS 23.20.340(a)

  [THE BASIS OF] → the evidence submitted and any additional evidence it requires

  Clarifies the basis for the department's eligibility determinations.

• AS 23.20.340(a)

  [THE CLAIM AS TO] → whether the claimant is eligible for benefits under AS 23.20.350

  Specifies that the initial determination is about the claimant's eligibility for benefits.

• AS 23.20.350(e)

  [EARNINGS RATIO OF THE INDIVIDUAL] → State Average Unemployment Rate

  Replaces the earnings ratio term with state average unemployment rate as a basis for determining the number of weeks for benefits.

• AS 23.20.350(e)

  [LESS THAN 1.50 16 1.50-1.99 18 2.00-2.49 20 2.50-2.99 22 3.00-3.49 24 3.50 OR MORE 26] → 10.51 percent and above 26.

  Updates the benefit schedule by removing specific earnings ratios and aligning it with unemployment rates.

• AS 23.20.350(g)

  "state average unemployment rate" means the average seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate for the most recently completed quarter of the calendar year as reported by the department.

  Defines 'state average unemployment rate' to guide calculations for benefits.