Pennsylvania House Bill HB1765

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/17/23
• Refer: 10/17/23

Caption

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in contributions by employers and employees, further providing for trigger determinations and for trigger rate redeterminations; in compensation, further providing for qualifications required to secure compensation, for ineligibility for compensation and for rate and amount of compensation; in determination of compensation, appeals, reviews and procedure, further providing for determination of compensation appeals; in Unemployment Compensation Amnesty Program, further providing for definitions; and, in amnesty program, further providing for definitions.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1765 will impact essential components of the Unemployment Compensation Law by redefining important terms and conditions of unemployment benefits. It introduces a more structured calculation method for benefits and modifies existing provisions concerning qualifying conditions. This reformation aims to make unemployment compensation more accessible and equitable for employees, particularly in identifying factors that eliminate the need for strict eligibility based on prior wage thresholds and credit weeks.

Summary

House Bill 1765 aims to amend the existing Unemployment Compensation Law with an emphasis on updating definitions and regulations regarding employee compensation and benefit rates. One of the primary objectives of this bill is to address the complexities around the calculation of the maximum weekly benefit rates and the conditions under which these rates increase. The proposed amendments seek to establish a clearer framework for determining wage benefits, emphasizing a fair and transparent compensation system for unemployed individuals based on new trigger percentage evaluations.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 1765 appears to be cautiously optimistic. Proponents of the bill argue that it modernizes outdated aspects of the Unemployment Compensation framework and aligns it with current economic realities. However, concerns have been raised regarding the implications of altering the benefit calculation structure, with some stakeholders fearing that overly complex adjustments could confuse both employers and employees, leading to increased administrative burdens.

Contention

Notable points of contention in discussions surrounding HB 1765 include debates over the effectiveness of the newly established trigger percentage calculations and their practical implications for businesses and employees. Opponents may argue that the changes could inadvertently create discrepancies and lead to inequitable distributions of benefits. Furthermore, the balance between ensuring adequate compensation for unemployed individuals and the financial impact on employers is a critical aspect that continues to fuel discussions among lawmakers.