Connecticut House Bill HB05525

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/13
• Refer: 1/22/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Unemployment Compensation And Part-time, Temporary And Seasonal Employee Eligibility.

Impact

By establishing this minimum work-hour requirement, the bill aims to potentially reduce the number of individuals who qualify for unemployment benefits during periods of temporary or seasonal employment. Proponents of the bill argue that it is essential for conserving state funds and prioritizing benefits for those who have consistently contributed to the workforce. This change may result in significant implications for workers in sectors that typically employ part-time or seasonal workers, particularly in industries such as retail and hospitality.

Summary

House Bill 05525 introduces amendments to the state's general statutes regarding unemployment compensation. The bill sets a threshold of not less than one thousand hours of work that part-time, temporary, or seasonal employees must meet to be eligible for unemployment benefits. The intention behind this legislation is to ensure that limited state resources allocated for unemployment assistance are effectively directed towards individuals who have demonstrated a substantial work history.

Contention

There may be debate concerning the fairness and impact of this threshold, particularly among labor advocates and organizations representing part-time workers. Opponents of the bill might argue that imposing a work-hour requirement places an undue burden on individuals who may rely on unemployment benefits during off-seasons or between jobs. This could particularly affect lower-income workers and those in precarious employment situations, raising concerns about the accessibility of unemployment benefits for vulnerable populations.