Bill would expand access to self-employment programs for jobless workers

What does this do?

The bill removes the current requirement that workers must be likely to soon exhaust regular unemployment benefits to join state self-employment assistance programs. It expands approved activities to include entrepreneurial training, business counseling, technical assistance, and working from an approved business plan, and requires weekly check-ins with a state agency. It also doubles the nationwide enrollment cap from 5% to 10% of unemployment insurance participants.

Who does it affect?

Unemployed workers seeking to start a business instead of returning to traditional jobs, and state unemployment agencies that administer these programs.

Why does it matter?

The changes would let more unemployed workers pursue self-employment while collecting benefits regardless of remaining benefit time, though states have up to two years to implement them.

Where does it stand?