87R3865 RDS-D By: Zaffirini S.B. No. 2101 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to the computation of unemployment compensation benefits for an individual who is totally unemployed in a benefit period. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Sections 207.002(a), (b), and (c-1), Labor Code, are amended to read as follows: (a) An eligible individual who is totally unemployed in a benefit period is entitled to benefits for the benefit period at the rate of 2/43 [1/25] of the wages received by the individual from employment by employers during that quarter in the individual's base period in which wages were highest. For purposes of this subsection, the wages received by the individual from employment by employers during the individual's base period include wages ordered to be paid to the individual by a final order of the commission under Chapter 61 that: (1) were due to be paid to the individual by an employer during the individual's base period; and (2) will be credited to the date or dates on which the payment of those wages was due. (b) The maximum weekly benefit amount is 60 [47.6] percent of the average weekly wage in covered employment in this state. The minimum weekly benefit amount is 15 [7.6] percent of the average weekly wage in covered employment in this state. (c-1) An increase in the maximum weekly benefit amount may not exceed $14 in any year. An increase in the minimum weekly benefit amount may not exceed $1 in any year. The limitations prescribed by this subsection apply only to an increase that is caused solely by an increase in the average weekly wage in covered employment in this state. SECTION 2. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to a claim for unemployment compensation benefits filed with the Texas Workforce Commission on or after the effective date of this Act. A claim filed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the claim was filed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. SECTION 3. This Act takes effect October 1, 2021.