Relating to: unemployment insurance work search and registration and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

SB 471 modifies unemployment insurance rules to require claimants to conduct at least four weekly job search activities (e.g., applying for jobs, networking) to maintain benefits, with the department setting specific guidelines. It directly affects individuals receiving unemployment benefits who must verify their job search efforts. The bill grants the department rule-making authority to adjust these requirements uniformly for similar claimants and establishes a process for verifying reemployment expectations with employers (considering layoff history, recall rights, and employer statements). It also updates waiver procedures for work search requirements and clarifies that benefits may be recovered if requirements aren’t met. The changes apply to new claims filed on the bill’s effective date.