COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new bill introduced in the Ohio House would reduce the length of time jobless workers can collect unemployment benefits.
According to The Sandusky Register, House Bill 376, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Teska (R-Clearcreek Township) and co-sponsored by 12 other Republican lawmakers, would cut the maximum number of benefit weeks from 26 to 20.
Supporters of the legislation argue the measure aligns with efforts to tighten unemployment spending and encourage faster re-entry into the workforce. The bill, introduced on June 23, does not appear to make any other changes to current eligibility rules or benefit formulas.
Under Ohio law, individuals must have worked at least 20 weeks with an average weekly wage of $338 in the previous 12 to 18 months, be unemployed through no fault of their own, and be able and available to work.
Benefits are administered through the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, which calculates payment amounts based on past income and dependents.
