The proposed bill, titled the "Promoting Work, Deterring Fraud Act of 2025," aims to enhance the verification process for reemployment assistance benefits in Florida. It amends section 443.101 of the Florida Statutes to specify that individuals may be disqualified from benefits if they fail to apply for suitable work or attend job interviews, with new requirements for contacting prospective employers and returning to work after a layoff. Additionally, the bill introduces section 443.1112, which mandates the Department of Commerce to verify the identities of claimants before disbursing benefits and to cross-check claims against various databases to prevent fraud. The department is also tasked with maintaining a web page and email address for reporting suspected fraud and must provide annual reports on fraudulent claims.

Furthermore, the bill amends section 445.011 to require the job-matching information system to incorporate artificial intelligence for better job and training opportunity matching, along with assessments of participants' skills and interests. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2025. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve the integrity of the reemployment assistance program while promoting job-seeking efforts among claimants.

Statutes affected:
H 1157 Filed: 443.101, 445.011