HB1575

House Bill 1575, titled the 'Arkansas Reemployment Act,' amends the state's existing Division of Workforce Services law to increase requirements for individuals receiving unemployment benefits. The bill mandates that, to remain eligible for benefits, an individual must complete at least five work search contacts per week for every week they submit a claim. It further defines a 'work search contact' to include actions such as submitting applications or resumes, interviewing with employers, attending job fairs, or participating in job skill training. The Division of Workforce Services is required to audit at least 100 of these weekly work search reports for verification purposes. Individuals who fail to meet the required number of contacts in a given week are ineligible for benefits for that week. The act is set to become effective on January 1, 2024.