Assembly Bill 164 proposes significant changes to Wisconsin's unemployment insurance (UI) law, which will now be referred to as "reemployment assistance." The bill mandates the creation of a Division of Reemployment Assistance within the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and requires that the reemployment assistance program be administered by this division. Key changes include new eligibility requirements for claimants, such as the necessity to submit a current resume and complete a reemployment counseling session when nearing the end of their benefits. Additionally, the bill stipulates that at least two of the required weekly work search actions must involve direct contact with potential employers, and DWD is required to provide claimants with at least four potential job opportunities each week.

The bill also modifies existing language in various statutes to reflect the transition from unemployment insurance to reemployment assistance, including amendments to definitions and requirements related to contributions and benefits. Notably, it repeals certain provisions that previously allowed claimants to avoid applying for specific job opportunities provided by DWD. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of participation in public employment workshops for claimants likely to exhaust their benefits, while also ensuring that DWD continues to participate in the federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program, providing necessary services to all UI claimants.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 40.02(22)(b)3, 40.02, 40.65(5)(b)2, 40.65, 49.147(3)(ac)2, 49.147, 49.163(3)(a)3.c, 49.163, 71.67(7)(title), 71.67, 105.01(1)(b)1, 105.01, 105.115(2)(b), 105.115, 105.115(2)(c), 105.115(3)(a)1, 105.115(4)(b)1, 105.115(4)(b)3, 106.38(3)(c)3, 106.38