Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 123

Bill Title: Unemployment Insurance Benefits - Determination Based on Severance or Dismissal Payments

Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Kelley

Subject: Unemployment Insurance

Committee: FIN

Bill Summary: This bill would have altered a determination of unemployment insurance benefits for an individual who receives or is eligible to receive severance or dismissal payments when the individual’s unemployment is the result of the abolishment of the job to be the same as the determination when the individual’s unemployment is not the result of the abolishment of the job.

History: This bill successfully passed the Senate; however, it received an unfavorable report by the Economic Matters Committee. The crossfile bill HB 242 passed the General Assembly and was enacted as Chapter 383.

Chamber Position: Support

Position Summary: In Maryland there was a distinction between losing a job for technology reasons (abolishment of position) and all other reasons for losing employment. This bill would have removed the distinction between the two circumstances for purposes of collecting severance pay, and determines that for the weeks an unemployed person collects severance pay, he or she cannot simultaneously collect unemployment benefits. The Maryland Chamber agrees with this distinction and determination. Therefore, the Maryland Chamber supported this bill.

Position Statement: Click here (pdf)

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.