BILL NUMBER: SB 1291INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Senator Evans FEBRUARY 23, 2012 An act relating to unemployment insurance. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SB 1291, as introduced, Evans. Unemployment benefits: training: teachers credentialing. Under the California Training Benefits Program, an unemployed individual, who is otherwise eligible for unemployment benefits, who files a claim for unemployment compensation benefits, extended duration benefits, or federal-state extended benefits or any federally funded unemployment compensation benefits, may apply to the Employment Development Department for a determination of potential eligibility for benefits during a period of training or retraining. Existing law requires a determination of automatic eligibility for those benefits if any of specified conditions apply. Existing law requires, if training or retraining is not authorized under those provisions governing automatic eligibility for those benefits, a determination of potential eligibility for benefits be issued to the unemployed individual if the Director of Employment Development finds that specified criteria apply. Under existing law, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing is authorized to issue teaching credentials in single subject instruction or specialist instruction in, among other subjects, math, science, and special education. Existing law also requires the commission to adopt general standards for the accreditation or approval of preparation programs for teachers. This bill would state the Legislature's intent to enact legislation that would require a determination of automatic eligibility for benefits under the California Training Benefits Program to be issued to an unemployed teacher, who is otherwise eligible for unemployment benefits, if the Director of Employment Development finds that the unemployed teacher in enrolled in a credential preparation program or training program approved or accredited by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for additional certification in math, science, or special education. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation that would require a determination of automatic eligibility for benefits under the California Training Benefits Program to be issued to an unemployed teacher, who is otherwise eligible for unemployment benefits, if the Director of Employment Development finds that the unemployed teacher is enrolled in a credential preparation program or training program approved or accredited by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for additional certification in math, science, or special education.