Description:
Section 703 of H.R. 1620 would expand eligibility for unemployment compensation benefits to people who voluntarily separate from work because they are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or sexual or other harassment. Most states already have similar policies or regulations for victims of domestic violence and sexual harassment. Using data from states with similar policies, CBO estimates that enacting this section would increase direct spending by $11 million over the 2021-2031 period. Because of its effects on balances in state unemployment accounts, enacting this title also would increase revenues by $6 million over the 2021-2031 period, CBO estimates. The bill also would broaden the coverage of existing crimes relating to violence against women. Enacting the legislation could increase collections of criminal fines for violations of these offenses. Criminal fines are recorded as revenues, deposited in the Crime Victims Fund, and subsequently spent without further appropriation. CBO estimates that any additional collections and associated spending would not be significant because of the relatively small number of additional cases likely to be affected.
