MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Labor

By: Representative Cameron, Moss, Nicholson

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 71-5-503, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO INCREASE THE WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNT PAID TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS UNDER THE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION LAWS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 71-5-503, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

71-5-503. (1) An individual's weekly benefit amount for a benefit year effective prior to October 1, 1983, shall be one-twenty-sixth (1/26) of his total wages for insured work paid during that quarter of his base period in which such total wages were highest, computed to the next higher multiple of One Dollar ($1.00), if not a multiple of One Dollar ($1.00); and for a benefit year effective on or after October 1, 1983, shall be one-twenty-sixth (1/26) of his total wages for insured work paid during that quarter of his base period in which such total wages were highest, computed to the next lower multiple of One Dollar ($1.00), if not a multiple of One Dollar ($1.00).

On or before June 15 of each year, the total wages reported on contribution reports for the preceding calendar year shall be divided by the average monthly number of insured workers (determined by dividing the total insured workers reported on contribution reports pursuant to the regulations of the commission for the preceding year by twelve (12)). The average annual wage thus obtained shall be divided by fifty-two (52) and the average weekly wage thus determined rounded to the nearest cent. Sixty percent (60%) of this amount, rounded to the nearest dollar, shall constitute the maximum "weekly benefit amount" paid to any individual whose benefit year commences on or after July 1 of such year and prior to July 1 of the next following year; provided, however, that the maximum weekly benefit amount for the individual shall be Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00). The minimum weekly benefit amount for the individual shall be Thirty Dollars ($30.00). If an individual's weekly benefit amount would compute to less than the said minimum, then such individual would be entitled to no benefits.

An individual's weekly benefit amount, as determined at the beginning of his benefit year, shall constitute his weekly benefit amount throughout such benefit year.

(2) The weekly benefit amount, as determined in subsection (1) of this section, shall be increased by Ten Dollars ($10.00) in the 2001 benefit year and by an additional Ten Dollars ($10.00) in the 2002 benefit year.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.