This bill amends Iowa's unemployment benefits eligibility criteria by updating the definitions and conditions under which work search requirements can be waived. Specifically, it introduces the term "short-term seasonal or temporary layoff," which expands the definition to include not only layoffs due to seasonal weather conditions but also other circumstances that may affect work availability. The previous requirement that the work must be related to highway construction, repair, or maintenance and have a specific return-to-work date has been removed. Additionally, the bill allows employers to request an extension of the waiver for up to two weeks if work is unavailable due to short-term circumstances beyond their control.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that benefits cannot be denied to individuals who refuse work if they have a reasonable expectation of returning to their job, provided they are on a short-term seasonal or temporary layoff. It also includes provisions for individuals who are unemployed due to their employer temporarily ceasing operations or going out of business due to unforeseen circumstances, such as cybersecurity attacks, as long as they expect to return to their previous employment. These changes aim to provide greater flexibility and support for workers facing temporary unemployment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 96.4, 96.5