SF 309 (LSB 2373XS (2) 88)

SENATE FILE 309

BY  T. TAYLOR

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to unemployment compensation benefits and department-approved training.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 96.4, subsection 3, Code 2019, is amended to read as follows:
   3.  The individual is able to work, is available for work, and is earnestly and actively seeking work. This subsection is waived if the individual is deemed partially unemployed, while employed at the individual’s regular job, as defined in section 96.19, subsection 38, paragraph “b”, subparagraph (1), or temporarily unemployed as defined in section 96.19, subsection 38, paragraph “c”, or participating in department-approved training pursuant to section 96.5A.  The work search requirements of this subsection and the disqualification requirement for failure to apply for, or to accept suitable work of section 96.5, subsection 3, are waived if the individual is not disqualified for benefits under section 96.5, subsection 1, paragraph “h”.
    Sec. 2.  NEW SECTION.  96.5A  Department-approved training.
   1.  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
   a.  “Apprenticeship program” means the same as defined in section 15B.2.
   b.  “Postsecondary institution” means an institution of higher learning under the control of the state board of regents, a community college established under chapter 260C, or an accredited private institution as defined in section 261.9.
   2.  An individual shall be exempt from the requirements of being available for work and actively seeking work pursuant to section 96.4, subsection 3, if the individual is participating in department-approved training through a class at a postsecondary institution or through an apprenticeship program.
   3.  To be eligible for an exemption, an individual must apply to the department and provide all of the following information:
   a.  The name of the postsecondary institution or the apprenticeship program.
   b.  The course of study or the focus of the apprenticeship program.
   c.  The start and end dates of the course of study or apprenticeship program.
   d.  The approximate class or apprenticeship schedule.
   e.  The occupation or industry for which the course of study or apprenticeship maintains or improves the individual’s skills.
   4.  If the exemption is approved by the department, unless the individual is participating in an apprenticeship program, the training must be completed in one hundred and four weeks or less.
   5.  If the exemption is approved by the department, an individual must maintain satisfactory progress in the approved training, and must file a weekly claim pursuant to section 96.6, subsection 1, to receive benefits while attending the approved training.
   6.  To remain eligible for benefits after completion of department-approved training, an individual must be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work pursuant to section 96.4, subsection 3.
   7.  The director shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A as necessary to administer this section.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill relates to unemployment compensation benefits and department-approved training.
   The bill provides that an individual who is eligible to receive unemployment benefits shall be granted an exemption from the requirements that the individual be available for work and actively seeking work, if the individual is participating in department-approved training at a postsecondary institution or is participating in an apprenticeship program.
   To be eligible for an exemption, an individual must apply to the department of workforce development and provide the name of the postsecondary institution or apprenticeship program, the course of study or the focus of the apprenticeship program, the start date and end dates of the course of study or apprenticeship program, the class or apprenticeship schedule, and the occupation or industry for which the course of study or apprenticeship maintains or improves the individual’s skills.
   If an exemption is approved, an individual must maintain satisfactory progress in the approved training and must continue to file a weekly claim for benefits while attending the training. The training must be completed in 104 weeks or less, unless the individual is participating in an apprenticeship program. To remain eligible for unemployment benefits after completing training, the individual must be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work.