Bill > AB169

This bill proposes several significant changes to unemployment insurance (UI) law, primarily focusing on enhancing job search requirements and employer reporting mechanisms. The bill empowers employers to report to the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) when a UI claimant declines a job interview, fails to respond to a job offer, cancels an interview without rescheduling, is unavailable for work, or fails to return when recalled. These reports will be used by DWD to assess a claimant's attachment to the labor market. If a claimant fails to meet these job search requirements in a given week, they will be ineligible for UI benefits for that week, though this disqualification will not reduce their total benefit entitlement or prevent them from receiving benefits in future weeks if they are otherwise eligible. The bill mandates that claimants provide weekly verification of job offers and interviews, and requires DWD to investigate employer reports. Additionally, the bill changes the recovery of UI overpayments from a permissive to a mandatory process, particularly in cases of misrepresentation. DWD must also develop methods to address situations where claimants fail to return to work or accept suitable work, and include details about employer reports in its annual UI fraud report to be submitted to legislative committees.

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab169