HB 23-1078

House Bill 23-1078, titled "Unemployment Compensation Dependent Allowance," introduces a new benefit for people receiving unemployment compensation. Starting July 1, 2026, these individuals will receive an additional $35 per week for each dependent child under 18 or over 18 with a disability who relies on them for at least half of their financial support. The bill also includes annual adjustments to account for inflation and requires the state to report on this allowance yearly starting in August 2026. This bill has been signed into law, meaning it will take effect as planned.

Official Summary

The bill creates a dependent allowance for an individual receiving unemployment compensation (eligible individual) for each of the eligible individual's dependents. The dependent allowance starts on July 1, 2025 2026, is $35 per dependent per week, and increases annually for inflation if necessary. The bill defines "dependent" as a child of an eligible individual who receives at least half of the child's financial support from the eligible individual and who is: Under 18 years of age; or 18 years of age or older and incapable of self-care because of a mental or physical disability. The bill requires the division of unemployment insurance to report to the general assembly regarding the dependent allowance annually, beginning August 31, 2025 2026, and by August 31 of each year thereafter. The bill appropriates $655,530 to the department of labor and employment for the 2023-24 state fiscal year to implement the act. (Note: Italicized words indicate new material added to the original summary; dashes through words indicate deletions from the original summary.) (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

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