SB 433 - This act amends sections relating to the unemployment compensation scheme for war on terror veterans. The act specifies that a war on terror veteran must be a Missouri resident immediately prior to deployment and must be a member of the Missouri national guard or a U.S. reservist.
In order to qualify for benefits, a Missouri court must have found that the veteran was discharged or laid off from non-military employment during deployment or within 30 days after completion of deployment.
The act specifies that the benefit computations are based on the five completed calendar quarters during which the veteran received wages immediately before deployment. Under current law the maximum benefit amounts were annually adjusted according to the consumer price index. This act removes this requirement.
The act provides a method for the Division of Employment Security to recoup erroneously paid benefits.
Currently employers who take adverse employment actions against veterans are subject to an administrative penalty of $25,000. This act raises that amount to $35,000.
This act is similar to SS/SCS/HCS/HB 1456 (2006).
CHRIS HOGERTY