Iowa Senate Bill SSB1159

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/23
• Refer: 2/15/23

Caption

A bill for an act concerning unemployment benefits and including effective date provisions.(See SF 481.)

Impact

One notable change in SSB1159 is the adjustment in how weekly benefits are calculated, removing the variance based on the number of dependents. Instead, the bill stipulates a set formula that ties the benefit amount directly to the applicant's highest gross quarterly salary, capped at a percentage of the state's average weekly wage. This change may impact those with dependents, decreasing their potential weekly benefit amounts. The bill also defines 'work search' to encompass various job-seeking activities, reinforcing the expectation that claimants actively seek employment as a condition for receiving benefits.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1159 focuses on amendments to existing unemployment benefit regulations in Iowa, specifically concerning the eligibility requirements for benefits and the calculation of weekly benefit amounts. The bill aims to streamline the process of applying for and retaining unemployment benefits while introducing stricter work search requirements. An important feature of the bill is the mandate for applicants to complete a specified number of job searches each week, contingent on the number of available jobs listed by the Iowa Department of Workforce Development (IWD). This could potentially create both opportunities and challenges for job seekers.

Contention

The proposed changes are expected to provoke discussion among stakeholders about the implications for unemployed individuals. Supporters of SSB1159 may argue that these amendments could incentivize job seekers to become more proactive in their search for employment, fostering a more robust workforce. Conversely, critics might contend that the increased work search requirements could place undue pressure on individuals already facing difficult circumstances, particularly if job availability is low. Additional concerns might arise about how these provisions could disproportionately affect certain populations, such as those facing barriers to employment based on skill gaps or lack of access to job opportunities.