State Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Pittsburgh, is pictured during a recent hearing in Harrisburg.

Seasonal workers won’t see what looked like a significant cut to unemployment benefits that would have started on Jan. 1.

Republicans and Democrats in the state Senate arrived at a compromise recently that will allow Senate Bill 274 to be approved in the Senate with amendments. The bill was approved 42-5, with state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-Oil City, among the five against the bill. The House of Representatives approved the bill 189-13, with Rep. Kathy Rapp, R-Warren, voting against it.

Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Pittsburgh and chairman of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, said final passage of the bipartisan agreement protects Pennsylvania’s seasonal workers from looming unemployment compensation (UC) benefit cuts, while also securing long-sought reforms to support victims of domestic violence and strengthen the integrity of the UC system.

The measure, included in House Bill 274, delays the implementation of “quarters averaging,” a calculation change that would have significantly reduced benefits for seasonal employees in industries such as construction, landscaping, hospitality, and more. Under the agreement, the cuts — previously set to take effect January 1, 2026 — will now be delayed until January 1, 2029.

“This deal ensures that thousands of seasonal workers won’t see sudden and potentially severe cuts to the benefits they rely on between jobs,” Robinson said. “Protecting workers while we continue negotiating long-term UC solutions has been one of my highest priorities, and I’m proud we reached a responsible, bipartisan compromise.”

House Bill 274 also strengthens unemployment compensation requalification requirements for individuals who previously quit or were fired for cause as well as clarifying work-search rules and preventing applicants from intentionally discouraging their own hiring.

Robinson said he worked with Rep. Jason Dawkins, D-Philadelphia, who introduced the bill in the state House of Representatives. Both bills would protect UC eligibility for victims of domestic violence. Under the bill, individuals who must leave their job or miss work to escape a dangerous domestic violence situation will not be penalized or deemed ineligible for benefits. The bill establishes clear verification options, ensures confidentiality, and requires the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry to expedite claims when safety is at stake.

“No one fleeing abuse should have to choose between their safety and financial stability,” Robinson said. “These protections ensure survivors can get help quickly, securely, and without fear of losing the support they need.”

The bill as amended passed with strong bipartisan support and now heads back to the House of Representatives for concurrence.