The unemployment insurance (UI) system, administered by the Employment Security Department (Department), provides partial wage replacement benefits for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own.  An individual is eligible to receive UI benefits if the individual meets certain criteria, including that the individual is able and available to work in the person's trade, occupation, profession, or business.
 
The person must provide the Department evidence they are actively seeking work by showing they have made contact with at least three employers per week or participated in certain job search activities at the local reemployment center at least three times per week.  In developing requirements for job search monitoring, the Department must use an existing advisory committee made up of equal representation of employers and workers. 
 
On March 25, 2020, the Governor issued Proclamation 20-30, temporarily suspending the job search requirements.  Senate Concurrent Resolution 8402, which the Legislature passed on January 15, 2021, extends the statutory waivers of Proclamation 20-30 until the termination of the state of emergency or until rescinded by the Governor or the Legislature. 

The Department has discretion, until December 31, 2023, regarding the type of job search evidence that will be required.  Evidence of actively seeking work may include contacts with at least three employers per week or job search activities at the local reemployment center at least three times per week, or as otherwise directed by the Department. 
 
By December 1, 2022, the Department must submit a report to the Legislature detailing the impacts of any flexibilities implemented in claimant job search methods, monitoring, and outcomes.