Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires work search activities from unemployed persons.

Highlights:

• Specifies that an individual shall remain eligible for unemployment benefits so long as they conduct 4 work search activities per week (Article 6, Sec. 21A-6d).

• Defines “work search activities” as the following, including, but not limited to (Article 6, Sec. 21A-6d):

• Registering to work with the states labor exchange system, placement firm, temporary work agencies or educational institution with job placement offices;

• Lodging on and looking for work in the states labor exchange or other online job matching system;

• Using reemployment services in job centers or completing similar online or self-service activities;

• Completing job applications for employers that are expected to have job openings or trainings through job referrals as directed by Workforce West Virginia staff;

• Applying for or participating in employment and training services provided by partner programs in job centers;

• Participating in work related networking events, such as job fairs, industry association events, or networking groups;

• Making contacts with, or going in person to employers that are expected to have job openings;

• Taking a civil service examination;

• Going on interviews with employers either in-person or virtually; or

• Performing any other work search activities by individuals applying for or receiving unemployment benefits .

• Authorizes the commissioner to require that an individual provide proof of all of their work search activities at the time of the application for unemployment benefits, and deem them ineligible if they fail to provide proof (Article 6, Sec. 21A-6d).

• Specifies that the provisions of this act shall become effective January 1, 2023 (Article 6, Sec. 21A-6d).

Full Bill Text