The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 268.085, subdivision 15, to clarify the definition of "available for suitable employment." It specifies 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. Additionally, it outlines conditions under which students with regularly scheduled classes must be willing to discontinue their classes to accept suitable employment, particularly if class attendance prevents them from doing so.

A significant insertion in the bill states 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." Furthermore, the bill emphasizes that applicants with restrictions on their working hours that deviate from the norms of their usual occupation are also not considered "available for suitable employment." This amendment aims to ensure that individuals seeking unemployment benefits are genuinely prepared to accept work opportunities.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 268.085