AN ACT RELATING TO LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS -- EMPLOYMENT SECURITY -- BENEFITS

HB 5680 would allow workers to receive unemployment benefits if they are on strike or locked out due to a labor dispute, directly affecting employees involved in workplace conflicts. The bill modifies eligibility rules so workers aren’t automatically disqualified for benefits during strikes (if not responsible for the dispute) or lockouts (unless the employer offers a 3-day wage extension that’s refused or the lockout responds to a strike at another company in a multi-employer group). It also ensures benefits continue for more than a week after a dispute ends. The law would take effect immediately upon passage, changing current rules that typically deny benefits during labor disputes.