CHAPTER 454
H.P. 233 - L.D. 309
An Act To Amend the Sunset on Part-time Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 26 MRSA §1192, sub-§3, ¶A, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 458, §1, is amended to read:
A. Notwithstanding this subsection, beginning January 1, 2004, an individual who is not available for full-time work as required in this subsection is not disqualified from receiving benefits if:
(1) The individual worked less than full time for a majority of the weeks during that individual's base period and the individual is able and available for and actively seeking part-time work for at least the number of hours in a week comparable to those customarily worked in part-time employment during that individual's base period; or
(2) The individual worked full time for a majority of the weeks during that individual's base period, but is able and available for and actively seeking only part-time work because of the illness or disability of an immediate family member or because of limitations necessary for the safety or protection of the individual or individual's immediate family member.
This paragraph does not apply to a person who applies for benefits after September 30, 2005 2008. This paragraph continues to apply to a person who applies for benefits on or before September 30, 2005 2008 until that person has exhausted benefits payable under that application.
Sec. 2. Education and training pilot program. By October 1, 2005, the Department of Labor shall develop within its existing resources an education and training pilot program, referred to in this section as "the program," for unemployed part-time workers as described in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 26, section 1192, subsection 3, paragraph A that is designed to enhance the employability and economic security of those workers.
1. Design of program. In designing the program, the department shall:
A. Develop methods to facilitate the participants' efficient transition from receiving compensation under the unemployment compensation insurance system to obtaining new job placements;
B. Minimize the impact on the Unemployment Trust Fund from extending unemployment compensation benefits to unemployed part-time workers and explore methods to stabilize the fund;
C. Maximize the use of its existing resources in order to deliver the education and training services and ensure that necessary support services are made available to participants in the program; and
D. Operate the program through the career center network in partnership with community-based education programs, including local adult education programs, the Maine Community College System and the University of Maine System.
2. Report. The department shall report on the results of the program to the Joint Standing Committee on Labor by January 15, 2006, together with recommendations on making permanent such an education and training program, any necessary implementing legislation and any additional recommendations that would increase the availability of skilled workers for Maine's businesses. After receipt and review of the report and recommendations, the Joint Standing Committee on Labor shall report out legislation to make permanent an education and training program for unemployed part-time workers.
Sec. 3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
LABOR, DEPARTMENT OF
Unemployment Compensation Benefit Account 0245
Initiative: Allocates funds for the additional cost of providing unemployment benefits to persons who are unavailable for full-time work under certain circumstances.
EMPLOYMENT SECURITY TRUST
FUND 2005-06 2006-07
All Other $2,016,000 $3,326,000
__________ __________
EMPLOYMENT SECURITY TRUST
FUND TOTAL $2,016,000 $3,326,000
Effective September 17, 2005.
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