The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 268.085, subdivision 15, which defines "available for suitable employment." The revised definition emphasizes that an applicant must be genuinely attached to the workforce and ready, willing, and able to accept suitable employment without any self-imposed or circumstantial restrictions. Notably, the bill introduces a new provision stating that an active job search may be conducted remotely, but being outside the labor market area for personal reasons, other than job searching, does not qualify as being "available for suitable employment."

Additionally, the bill clarifies that students with regularly scheduled classes must be willing to discontinue their classes if attendance restricts their ability to accept suitable employment, provided they cannot change their class schedule or make alternative arrangements. It also specifies that applicants with restrictions on their working hours that deviate from the norms of their usual occupation are not considered "available for suitable employment," reinforcing the requirement for daytime availability if suitable jobs are primarily offered during that time.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 268.085