Utah House approves bill giving military spouses jobless benefits
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Spouses who have to quit their jobs when the military transfers a husband or wife would be able to collect unemployment benefits under HB263, which was approved 66 to 0 by the House on Tuesday. Nine lawmakers were absent for the vote.
The sponsor, Rep. Lynn Hemingway, D-Holladay, said there likely will be more young couples needing such a benefit as the war in Afghanistan winds down.
The Department of Workforce Services supports the bill, and a fiscal analyst predicted it will affect 49 people and cost $185,000 over the next three budget years.
There was no debate on the measure, which moves to the Senate.
Kristen Moulton