This bill amends Section 2-417 of Title 40 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to disqualification from receiving employment benefits. The bill modifies the conditions under which an individual may be disqualified for benefits by replacing the previous requirement to "make application for the minimum number of weekly work search efforts" with a new mandate to "conduct five (5) weekly search actions." Additionally, the bill introduces a comprehensive list of acceptable work search actions that individuals can undertake to demonstrate their job-seeking efforts, including submitting resumes, attending job fairs, and participating in job search counseling, among others.
Furthermore, the bill clarifies that the disqualification requirements will be waived for individuals summoned for jury duty, ensuring that they are not penalized while fulfilling this civic obligation. The effective date for this legislation is set for November 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of the work search requirements for individuals seeking employment benefits in Oklahoma.