Bill > H0053

This bill amends Idaho's unemployment insurance laws to strengthen provisions against fraud and misrepresentation. It introduces new definitions for "knowingly" and "willfully" that clarify intentional misconduct, and modifies penalties for individuals who make false statements or fail to disclose material facts when seeking unemployment benefits. The bill establishes a graduated penalty system for repeated fraud, with increasingly severe consequences for subsequent violations, including longer periods of benefit disqualification. Additionally, it creates a new criminal offense for employment security identity theft, making it a felony to knowingly use someone else's identity to commit unemployment insurance fraud. The bill also updates enforcement mechanisms, allowing the state to impose civil penalties and pursue collection of overpayments, with penalties ranging from 25% to 100% of the overpaid amount depending on the number of violations. The changes aim to deter fraudulent claims, protect the integrity of the unemployment insurance system, and provide clearer guidelines for determining and punishing fraudulent behavior. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause highlighting the urgency of these reforms.

Business and Industry

Commerce and Human Resources Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0053/