HB 153: UNEMPLOYMENT COMP: Provides relative to work search requirements for unemployment benefits (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note) - Louisiana

HB153 Original → HB153 Act · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Louisiana's unemployment benefit laws to clarify how claimants must prove they are actively searching for work. It modifies the definition of a valid work search plan to ensure it remains reasonable for the individual and adds a new requirement for employers to electronically report suspected work search violations. The changes aim to streamline the eligibility process and improve enforcement of work search rules.

Scope change

The bill applies to all individuals claiming unemployment benefits in Louisiana, specifically targeting the administrative requirements for proving active job search and employer reporting obligations.

DEFINITION

Clarified the definition of a valid work search plan to ensure it is reasonable based on the claimant's specific qualifications, location, and labor market conditions.

ENFORCEMENT

Mandated that the unemployment administrator create a form for employers to electronically report suspected violations of work search requirements.

REQUIREMENT

Adjusted the text regarding work search requirements to align with updated eligibility criteria, removing redundant language about the number of specific actions required.

TIMELINE

Set the effective date for these changes to December 31, 2025.

HB153 Enrolled → HB153 Original · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Louisiana unemployment law to clarify that claimants must actively seek work through at least five specific actions per week, in addition to following their personalized reemployment plan. It also formalizes a process for employers to electronically report suspected violations of these work search rules. These changes aim to strengthen eligibility requirements and improve enforcement mechanisms for unemployment benefits.

Scope change

The bill applies to all claimants seeking unemployment benefits in Louisiana, tightening the definition of an 'active search for work' and adding a reporting mechanism for employers.

REQUIREMENT

Clarified that satisfying a personalized reemployment plan alone is not enough; claimants must also perform at least five specific work search actions weekly.

ENFORCEMENT

Added a specific provision requiring the administrator to create and distribute an online form for employers to report suspected work search violations.

DEFINITION

Updated the statutory text to ensure the requirement for five work search actions is clearly integrated with existing eligibility rules.

TECHNICAL

Removed redundant phrasing such as 'has has' and 'introductory paragraph' to streamline the legal text.

HB153 Reengrossed → HB153 Enrolled · 3 edits · Jun 8, 2025

MINOR

This bill transitions the legislation from a 'Reengrossed' draft to its final 'Enrolled' version, incorporating substantive changes to unemployment benefit rules. The most significant policy change is the addition of a specific effective date of December 31, 2025, which was missing in the previous draft. Additionally, the text of the work search requirements was reorganized to clarify that a claimant must follow a specific reemployment assistance plan approved by the administrator.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on Louisiana unemployment compensation, but the addition of a specific effective date clarifies when the new rules apply.

TIMELINE

Added a specific effective date of December 31, 2025, establishing when the new unemployment benefit rules will take effect.

REQUIREMENT

Reorganized the text defining work search requirements to explicitly state that a claimant must follow a reemployment assistance plan approved by the administrator.

TECHNICAL

Corrected the document header and page count from 'Reengrossed' to 'Enrolled' and adjusted page numbering to reflect the final version.

HB153 Engrossed → HB153 Reengrossed · 2 edits · Jun 2, 2025

MINOR

The bill was reengrossed, meaning it was amended and re-submitted after the initial engrossed version. The primary substantive change involves correcting a grammatical error in the work search requirements section, changing 'has satisfied' to 'shall have satisfied' to ensure the legal obligation is clearly defined. Additionally, the document header was updated to reflect its new status as 'Reengrossed' rather than 'Engrossed'.

REQUIREMENT

Corrected a grammatical error in the work search reporting requirement, changing 'has satisfied' to 'shall have satisfied' to clarify the claimant's obligation.

TECHNICAL

Updated the document title from 'HB 153 Engrossed' to 'HB 153 Reengrossed' to reflect the legislative status.

UNEMPLOYMENT COMP: Provides relative to work search requirements for unemployment benefits (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)

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