Kansas House Bill HB2401

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/17/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Report Pass: 3/20/23
• Engrossed: 3/28/23
• Refer: 3/30/23
• Failed: 4/30/24

Caption

Defining "benefit year" and "temporary unemployment" in the employment security law, allowing the extension of temporary unemployment; requiring electronic report filing by certain employers, permitting discretion in appointments and terms for the temporary employment security board of review, delaying new account formation after certain business acquisitions, requiring the new unemployment insurance system to allow employer reports regarding claimant compliance and authorizing the legislative coordinating council to extend new system implementation deadlines.

Impact

The bill mandates flexibility in the number of appointments and the length of terms for members on the temporarily expanded employment security board of review. Additionally, it extends the timeline for mandatory combination of rates and the establishment of new accounts following business acquisitions, which allows businesses more operational flexibility during transitions. These changes aim to improve the state's responsiveness to economic conditions affecting employment and unemployment rates, better positioning Kansas to support its workforce.

Summary

House Bill 2401 is a legislative measure aimed at updating and clarifying employment security law within Kansas. It introduces definitions for terms such as 'benefit year' and 'temporary unemployment', which are crucial for determining eligibility and duration of benefits for workers who experience job loss. A significant aspect of this bill is the requirement for employers with 25 or more employees to file wage reports and pay contributions electronically, reflecting a modernization of the reporting process to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Contention

However, the bill also raises points of contention. Some stakeholders express concern about the implications of mandatory electronic filing, citing potential burdens on smaller businesses that may lack the necessary infrastructure or technical expertise. There may also be debates surrounding the broader impacts of delaying new account formations after business acquisitions, particularly regarding how these measures affect competitors in the labor market and the overall unemployment insurance system.

Notable_points

In its passage, HB2401 received a favorable vote of 119 yeas to 4 nays during a house emergency action on March 27, 2023, indicating strong bipartisan support. The provisions outlined in the bill reflect a proactive approach to reinforce the employment security framework in Kansas while seeking to mitigate the challenges faced by both businesses and employees during periods of economic fluctuation.