Unemployment Insurance Modernization and Recession Readiness Act

Increased support during high unemployment: The bill creates tiers that increase the amount in an individual's benefit account during high unemployment periods (Section 103).

Protection against benefit loss: If a state's unemployment indicator goes "off," individuals with remaining amounts in their accounts can still receive compensation for up to 6 months (Section 105).

Guaranteed minimum duration: The bill sets a floor ensuring that the minimum duration of benefits is at least 26 weeks (Section 201).

Improved wage replacement: It establishes a floor for the minimum replacement of wages to ensure benefits are a specific percentage of earnings (Section 202).

Expanded eligibility for job separation: Individuals will not be disqualified from compensation if they separate for "compelling reasons," such as caring for a qualified family member or workplace relocation (Section 206).

Support for victims of violence: Individuals who separate from work due to a qualifying act of violence or harassment will not be denied compensation (Section 207).

Easier access to benefits for part-time workers: The bill ensures individuals are not denied benefits solely based on the number of hours they are seeking, provided they meet certain thresholds (Section 204).

Elimination of waiting periods: The bill removes the requirement for waiting weeks before compensation begins (Section 208).

Financial assistance for dependents: A new allowance is established to provide specific weekly amounts for individuals with dependents (Section 215).

Support for those in labor disputes: Compensation will not be denied to those who are locked out or facing disputes due to an employer's failure to follow laws or contracts (Section 216).

New jobseeker assistance: A weekly jobseeker allowance is provided to eligible individuals to support them while they look for work (Section s 301).

Restrictions on certain state practices: States are prohibited from receiving certain payments if they assess payments in lieu of employer contributions or charge employers for experience rating (Section 101).

Income limitations for jobseekers: To be eligible for the jobseeker allowance, an individual's adjusted gross income must not exceed a specific threshold (Section 301).

Reductions for part-time work: The jobseeker allowance is reduced by 50 percent for individuals who are available to work for less than 20 hours per week (Section 301).

Reductions based on current benefits: If an individual is already receiving regular or extended unemployment compensation, their jobseeker allowance is reduced by that amount (Section 301).

Consequences for fraud: Individuals who knowingly make false statements to receive emergency enhanced unemployment compensation are subject to prosecution and must repay the funds (Section 218).