The proposed bill would update the eligibility requirements for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits by introducing new stipulations and removing certain existing ones. Specifically, it would require unemployed individuals to actively seek and apply for suitable work by conducting at least five work search actions each week, which includes submitting resumes and attending job fairs. Additionally, claimants would need to provide weekly reports detailing their work search activities. This replaces the current requirement for individuals to engage in a systematic effort to obtain work over four days and to make at least one job contact per day on four different days of the week.

Moreover, the bill would enhance the claims examination process by prohibiting the Department of Economic Security (DES) from paying benefits until claims are cross-checked against various data sets, including those from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies. It would also require DES to prioritize the most current data for cross-checking and disqualify claims found to be ineligible or fraudulent. Other updates include clarifying disqualification language, enhancing employer reporting obligations, and ensuring that individuals are not required to join a union as a condition of employment. Overall, these changes aim to improve the efficiency and integrity of the employment security system.

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
Senate 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
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, 23-799.01, 23-778