SB 378

Under current law, a claimant for UI benefits is generally required to search for

work each week in order to remain eligible, but the Department of Workforce

Development is required to waive these requirements under certain circumstances.

Under current law, DWD has limited rule-making authority to modify the

availability of waivers or establish additional waivers if necessary to comply with a

requirement under federal law or if specifically allowed under federal law. DWD has,

by emergency rule, waived the work search requirement for all claimants to respond

to the spread of COVID-19.

This bill prohibits DWD from waiving the work search requirement for any

reason that is related to COVID-19 or the the COVID-19 pandemic or a public health

emergency that is in response to or otherwise related to COVID-19.

The bill is introduced as required by s. 227.26 (2) (f), stats., in support of the

action of the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules in suspending

DWD emergency rule 2106 on May 19, 2021. The suspended emergency rule provided

for a waiver of the work search requirement and addressed provisions governing

claimants being able to work and available for work in order to claim UI benefits.