The proposed bill, HB2282, updates the eligibility criteria for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits in Arizona by requiring individuals to actively seek suitable work through at least five specified work search actions each week, along with submitting a weekly report of these actions. This replaces the current requirement of making job contacts on at least four different days each week. Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Economic Security (DES) to verify the validity of UI claims against specific data sets before benefits are disbursed, disqualifying claimants found ineligible or fraudulent and potentially referring them for prosecution.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the responsibilities of individuals seeking unemployment benefits, emphasizing the need to accept suitable work offers and reemployment with the same employer if available. It establishes a disqualification period lasting until the individual earns wages equivalent to eight times their weekly benefit amount for failing to meet these requirements. New reporting obligations for employers regarding individuals who refuse work or miss interviews are also introduced, allowing for digital submissions and requiring independent reviews by the department to assess disqualification from benefits. Overall, these changes aim to enhance the integrity and accountability of the unemployment benefits system in Arizona.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 23-634.01, 23-762, 23-763, 23-771, 23-773, 23-776, 23-780, 23-621, 23-772, 23-775, 23-777, 23-363, 23-622, 23-615, 23-779, 23-609, 13-3601, 13-3601.02, 23-727, 23-673, 23-778
House Engrossed Version: 23-634.01, 23-762, 23-763, 23-771, 23-773, 23-776, 23-780, 23-621, 23-772, 23-775, 23-777, 23-363, 23-622, 23-615, 23-779, 23-609, 13-3601, 13-3601.02, 23-727, 23-673, 23-778