The proposed bill would update the current statutes governing Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits by introducing new requirements for claimants. Specifically, it would replace the existing obligation for individuals to engage in a systematic job search over four days with a new mandate to conduct at least five work search actions each week, which may include submitting resumes and attending job fairs. Additionally, claimants would be required to submit weekly reports detailing their work search activities. The bill also aims to enhance gender neutrality in the language by changing references from "he" to "the individual."

Moreover, the bill would expand the Department of Economic Security's (DES) authority to verify UI claims by cross-checking them against various data sets, including those from national workforce agencies and health services. It would establish that claims cannot be paid if these checks indicate ineligibility or fraud, and it emphasizes the use of the most current data for verification. Overall, these changes are designed to tighten eligibility criteria, improve accountability, and enhance the integrity of the UI benefits 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