Bill > HB1522

This bill modifies Indiana's unemployment insurance (UI) law to establish stricter requirements for job seekers receiving unemployment benefits. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that disqualifies claimants from receiving UI benefits for a week if they fail to respond to a job offer within two business days or miss a scheduled job interview without notifying the employer about canceling or rescheduling. The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is required to create multiple channels for employers to report such incidents, including a website portal, email address, and telephone hotline. Importantly, before denying benefits, the DWD must first verify the information reported by the employer. The bill also amends existing law to include these new work search compliance requirements as a potential reason for disqualifying an individual from receiving unemployment benefits. This change aims to encourage more active job searching and responsiveness from unemployment claimants by introducing a direct consequence for failing to engage promptly with potential employment opportunities. The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, and apply to benefit periods established on or after that date.

Labor and Employment

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1522/details