Senate Bill 471 proposes significant changes to the unemployment insurance work search and registration requirements in Wisconsin. The bill repeals existing waiver provisions under sections 108.04 (2) (bb) and (bd) and allows the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to establish waivers for work registration and search requirements through rule-making. This includes the ability to create emergency rules that can be enacted temporarily without the need for evidence of an emergency situation. Additionally, the bill specifies that the work search requirement does not apply to claimants who have been laid off but are expected to be recalled to work.

The bill also amends the criteria for claimants to remain eligible for benefits, particularly focusing on the verification of a reasonable search for suitable work. It establishes that claimants must conduct at least four actions per week as part of their job search, although DWD can require more actions based on rules. The bill aims to streamline the process and provide flexibility in the administration of unemployment benefits, while ensuring that claimants who are likely to return to their previous employment are not burdened by unnecessary requirements.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 108.04(2)(a)(intro.), 108.04, 108.04(2)(a)3, 108.04(2)(b), 108.04(2)(bb), 108.04(2)(bd), 108.04(2)(bm)