HB5424: Relating to eligibility for and amount of unemployment benefits

Legislative Summary

The purpose of this bill generally relates to eligibility for and amount of unemployment benefits. The bill modifies the methodology for calculating maximum benefit rate. The bill modifies benefit table consistent with adoption of indexing. The bill requires the Workforce West Virginia Commissioner take certain actions to verify unemployment insurance claim program integrity. The bill requires commissioner to review suspicious or potentially improper claims under certain circumstances. The bill defines "state average unemployment rate". The bill limits the maximum duration of unemployment benefits based on the state average unemployment rate. The bill requires Workforce West Virginia to promulgate legislative rules. The bill establishes an internal effective date. The bill reduces the maximum benefit for each wage class. The bill requires work search activities to qualify for unemployment benefits. The bill defines what constitutes work search activities. The bill mandates submittal of proof of work search activities. The bill provides for verification of work search activities. The bill grants the commissioner of Workforce West Virginia discretion in verification of work search activities. The bill mandates the establishment of a process to refer individuals seeking unemployment benefits to job opportunities. The bill requires individuals receiving referrals to suitable work to apply for and accept that work. The bill mandates employers to report refusal of offer of employment to commissioner. The bill allows individuals who accept part-time non-suitable employment to receive unemployment benefits without reduction for wages under certain circumstances. The bill makes certain individuals applying for or receiving unemployment benefits exempt from work search requirements. The bill establishes a process for notification of work search activity requirements. The bill requires rulemaking. The bill sets an internal effective date.