Bill > S3108

This bill proposes a review of the performance of the Commonwealth's Unemployment Insurance (UI) system and related programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The key provisions are: This bill creates a Resiliency Plan for the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to better prepare the Commonwealth for future claim surges. It establishes an Ombuds Office within DUA to assist claimants and employers with their interactions with the UI system. It directs DUA to continue efforts to replace the outdated UI Online system in a timely, complete, and cost-effective manner. It calls for enhanced fraud detection tools and cybersecurity features to protect the Commonwealth and its residents while facilitating claimant access to the UI system. Finally, it establishes an Anti-Fraud Task Force to facilitate the investigation and recovery of fraudulently obtained UI benefits. The goal of these provisions is to address the challenges the UI system faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including long delays for claimants, technological issues, fraud, and difficulty navigating the system. The bill aims to improve the resiliency, accessibility, and integrity of the Commonwealth's UI system going forward.

Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight (Other)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S3108