New Opportunities for Business Ownership and Self-Sufficiency Act
What does the HR 6431 do?
HR 6431 is a House bill sponsored by Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH). Self-Employment Assistance programs let unemployed workers collect an allowance in place of their regular unemployment benefits — paid in the same amount and at the same intervals — while they start a business, exempt from the usual work-search requirements. This bill doubles the cap on program participation from 5% to 10% of unemployment recipients per state, removes the requirement that participants be on track to exhaust their benefits, adds a weekly self-certification requirement, and creates an alternative qualification pathway through a state-approved business plan rather than requiring formal entrepreneurial training. Doubles state SEA program participation to 10%, drops the exhaustion-of-benefits eligibility requirement, and adds a business-plan qualification pathway.
Did HR 6431 pass? Where it stands
As of July 17, 2026, HR 6431 has passed the House.
Status: Passed House
Latest vote: House Passed by voice vote on April 27, 2026
Outlook: Unlikely
Key provisions
- Expanded Access
- Removes the requirement that participants be likely to exhaust unemployment benefits — opens programs to more applicants
- Business plan + market feasibility study now qualifies as an alternative to formal entrepreneurial training
- Larger Programs, Weekly Accountability
- State participation cap raised from 5% to 10% of unemployment benefit recipients
- Participants must certify their self-employment activities on at least a weekly basis
Last updated June 10, 2026