The act modifies the triggers for receiving federal extended unemployment funds within the time frame of February 1, 2009 and December 5, 2009. At such time the average total unemployment rate shall equal or exceed 6 1/2% within the most recent 3 months for which data for all states are published and shall be at least 110% of the average for the corresponding 3 month period ending in the two preceding calendar years.

The total extended benefit amount payable is changed to equal the lesser of 80% of the total amount of regular benefits in the benefit year or 20 times the applicant's weekly benefit amount for a week of total unemployment in the benefit year.

Currently, the unpaid principal amount of outstanding credit instruments, combined with the unpaid principal amount of any financing agreement authorized and issued by the Board of Unemployment Fund Financing shall not exceed $450 million at any one time. This act removes this provision.

Similarly, the current total amount of outstanding obligations under all financial agreements entered into by the board shall not exceed the difference of $450 million and the principal amount of outstanding credit instruments. This provision is also removed.

This act creates superseding provisions in Missouri's unemployment compensation law subject to the certification of the United States Secretary of Labor under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The provisions contained in this amendment shall expire once the funds provided for under the ARRA are expended unless renewed by the General Assembly.

The act creates an alternative base period for unemployment compensation claimants who do not have sufficient wages in the base period to be an insured worker.

Claimants shall not be disqualified from receiving compensation for separating from employment if it is for a compelling family reason.

Claimants who have commenced training under the Workforce Investment Act or approved training under Missouri law and have exhausted regular benefits, shall be eligible for additional benefits not to exceed 26 times their weekly benefit amount. Priority for training funds shall be given to claimants laid off through no fault of their own from Missouri automobile manufacturing facilities.

When the amount of payments under the proposed section exceeds the amount of federal incentive funds, the Unemployment Compensation Fund shall be reimbursed from general revenue for subsequent payments.

This act contains an emergency clause.

This act is similar to SB 495 (2009).

CHRIS HOGERTY