S.F. 309 Section 1. Section 96.4, subsection 3, Code 2019, is amended 1 to read as follows: 2 3. The individual is able to work, is available for 3 work, and is earnestly and actively seeking work. This 4 subsection is waived if the individual is deemed partially 5 unemployed, while employed at the individual’s regular job, 6 as defined in section 96.19, subsection 38 , paragraph “b” , 7 subparagraph (1), or temporarily unemployed as defined in 8 section 96.19, subsection 38 , paragraph “c” , or participating 9 in department-approved training pursuant to section 96.5A . 10 The work search requirements of this subsection and the 11 disqualification requirement for failure to apply for, or 12 to accept suitable work of section 96.5, subsection 3 , are 13 waived if the individual is not disqualified for benefits under 14 section 96.5, subsection 1 , paragraph “h” . 15 Sec. 2. NEW SECTION . 96.5A Department-approved training. 16 1. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise 17 requires: 18 a. “Apprenticeship program” means the same as defined in 19 section 15B.2. 20 b. “Postsecondary institution” means an institution of 21 higher learning under the control of the state board of 22 regents, a community college established under chapter 260C, or 23 an accredited private institution as defined in section 261.9. 24 2. An individual shall be exempt from the requirements of 25 being available for work and actively seeking work pursuant to 26 section 96.4, subsection 3, if the individual is participating 27 in department-approved training through a class at a 28 postsecondary institution or through an apprenticeship program. 29 3. To be eligible for an exemption, an individual must apply 30 to the department and provide all of the following information: 31 a. The name of the postsecondary institution or the 32 apprenticeship program. 33 b. The course of study or the focus of the apprenticeship 34 program. 35 -1- LSB 2373XS (2) 88 ko/tm 1/ 3

S.F. 309 c. The start and end dates of the course of study or 1 apprenticeship program. 2 d. The approximate class or apprenticeship schedule. 3 e. The occupation or industry for which the course of 4 study or apprenticeship maintains or improves the individual’s 5 skills. 6 4. If the exemption is approved by the department, unless 7 the individual is participating in an apprenticeship program, 8 the training must be completed in one hundred and four weeks 9 or less. 10 5. If the exemption is approved by the department, an 11 individual must maintain satisfactory progress in the approved 12 training, and must file a weekly claim pursuant to section 13 96.6, subsection 1, to receive benefits while attending the 14 approved training. 15 6. To remain eligible for benefits after completion of 16 department-approved training, an individual must be able to 17 work, available for work, and actively seeking work pursuant 18 to section 96.4, subsection 3. 19 7. The director shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A as 20 necessary to administer this section. 21 EXPLANATION 22 The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with 23 the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. 24 This bill relates to unemployment compensation benefits and 25 department-approved training. 26 The bill provides that an individual who is eligible to 27 receive unemployment benefits shall be granted an exemption 28 from the requirements that the individual be available for work 29 and actively seeking work, if the individual is participating 30 in department-approved training at a postsecondary institution 31 or is participating in an apprenticeship program. 32 To be eligible for an exemption, an individual must apply 33 to the department of workforce development and provide the 34 name of the postsecondary institution or apprenticeship 35 -2- LSB 2373XS (2) 88 ko/tm 2/ 3

S.F. 309 program, the course of study or the focus of the apprenticeship 1 program, the start date and end dates of the course of study or 2 apprenticeship program, the class or apprenticeship schedule, 3 and the occupation or industry for which the course of study or 4 apprenticeship maintains or improves the individual’s skills. 5 If an exemption is approved, an individual must maintain 6 satisfactory progress in the approved training and must 7 continue to file a weekly claim for benefits while attending 8 the training. The training must be completed in 104 weeks 9 or less, unless the individual is participating in an 10 apprenticeship program. To remain eligible for unemployment 11 benefits after completing training, the individual must be able 12 to work, available for work, and actively seeking work. 13 -3- LSB 2373XS (2) 88 ko/tm 3/ 3