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Minutes for HB2154 - Committee on Rural Revitalization
Short Title
Making unemployment benefits available for federal and state employees who are required to work without pay.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 18, 2019
Chuck Reimer gave the committee an overview of HB2154 and answered questions from committee members.
David Schemm spoke in favor of HB2154 expressing his concern about the impact felt by the Kansas Farm Service Agency during the 35-day federal government shutdown and providing information regarding the unemployment application process as experienced by employees of their agency during the shutdown. Mr. Schemm answered questions from the committee. (Attachment 2)
Shawn Yancy addressed the committee from a neutral stance on HB2154 and indicated the U.S. Department of Labor has opposed efforts by states to provide excepted employees unemployment benefits. It has done so because it has interpreted federal law and regulations to mean that those who are working, even when not being regularly compensated, are not unemployed, which would make them ineligible for program funded unemployment benefits. HB2154 addresses the federal opposition by creating an independent state fund for paying such benefits instead of drawing funds from the programs which would disqualify those deemed employed even though compensation is not being received. Mr. Yancy answered questions from committee members. (Attachment 3)
The Chair closed the hearing on HB2154.
The next meeting of the House Committee on Rural Revitalization will be Tuesday, February 19, 2019.
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
