Labor; Employment Security Act of 1980; modifying seeking and accepting of work; requiring Commission to maintain online jobs center; requiring cross-check and investigation of claims; effective date.

This bill updates Oklahoma's Employment Security Act to strengthen rules for receiving unemployment benefits by requiring claimants to actively search for work and accept job offers. It mandates that the state maintain an online jobs center where applicants must create profiles, pass skills tests, and apply to at least four weekly job referrals, with failure to participate resulting in benefit termination. To prevent fraud, the legislation requires the Commission to verify identities, cross-check claims against multiple databases including death and inmate records, and investigate offers of suitable work from employers. These changes take effect on November 1, 2024, and directly impact individuals filing for unemployment insurance and the state agency administering those benefits.