ELIGIBILITY OF CERTAIN PERSONS UNEMPLOYED BECAUSE OF DISASTER.

(a) In this section, "disaster unemployment assistance benefits" means benefits authorized under Section 410, Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. Section 5177), and rules adopted under that section.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 207.021, the governor, by executive order, may suspend the waiting period requirement imposed under Section 207.021(a)(8) to authorize an individual to receive benefits for that waiting period if the individual:

(1) is unemployed as a direct result of a natural disaster that results in a disaster declaration by the president of the United States under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. Section 5121 et seq.);

(2) is otherwise eligible for unemployment compensation benefits under this subtitle; and

(3) is not receiving disaster unemployment assistance benefits for the period included in that waiting period.