The proposed bill, titled the "Promoting Work, Deterring Fraud Act of 2026," aims to enhance the verification process for reemployment assistance benefits in Florida. It amends section 443.101 of the Florida Statutes to revise the circumstances under which claimants may be disqualified from receiving benefits. Specifically, it introduces new requirements for claimants to contact a specified number of prospective employers, attend scheduled job interviews, and accept suitable work offers. The bill also mandates the Department of Commerce to adopt rules for determining the suitability of work and to consider various factors such as the claimant's health, safety, and prior experience.

Additionally, the bill creates a new section, 443.1112, which requires the Department of Commerce to verify the identity of each claimant before disbursing benefits. It outlines procedures for cross-checking claim information against federal databases to confirm eligibility and mandates investigations into claims associated with potentially fraudulent activities. The department is also tasked with maintaining a web page for reporting violations and must provide annual reports detailing fraudulent claims and recovery efforts. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 191 Filed: 443.101