Senate Bill 457 proposes significant changes to the unemployment insurance system in Wisconsin by permanently eliminating the one-week waiting period for claimants. Currently, individuals must wait one week after becoming eligible for unemployment benefits before they can start receiving payments, although this waiting period can be suspended under certain circumstances. The bill repeals sections 108.02 (26m) and 108.04 (3) of the statutes, allowing claimants to receive benefits starting from their first week of eligibility without any waiting period.

Additionally, the bill amends section 108.04 (11) (bm) to clarify that any ineligibility due to concealment will be applied against benefits and weeks of eligibility, but it removes the provision that previously denied waiting period credit for the period of ineligibility. This change aims to streamline the process for claimants and ensure they receive benefits more promptly. The act will take effect on the Sunday following its publication and will apply to benefit years beginning on that date.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 108.02(26m), 108.02, 108.04(3), 108.04, 108.04(11)(bm)