Bill > HR1119

This bill seeks to strengthen unemployment compensation requirements by implementing new work-related obligations for individuals receiving unemployment benefits. Under the proposed legislation, claimants would be required to respond to employment-related requests, schedule and attend interviews, participate in reemployment services, and comply with additional reasonable requests such as drug testing or skill assessments. The bill introduces a voluntary reporting mechanism allowing potential employers to inform state agencies if a claimant fails to meet these requirements. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Labor conduct a study on increasing random audits of unemployment compensation programs to improve administrative accuracy. States would be required to implement these new provisions within one year of the bill's enactment, with special considerations for states with biennial legislative sessions. The bill also limits fund transfers to states for extended unemployment compensation unless the state demonstrates compliance with the new interview and reporting requirements. These changes aim to promote workforce engagement and ensure more rigorous oversight of unemployment benefits, with the ultimate goal of helping unemployed individuals return to work more quickly.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1119/all-info