AR SB245

Amends Arkansas Code § 11-10-507(3)(A) to require unemployment benefit recipients to have a high school diploma, pass a high school equivalency test, or enroll in adult education classes leading toward passing the high school equivalency test.

Recipients enrolled in adult education classes must remain continuously enrolled until they pass the high school equivalency test or cease receiving unemployment benefits.

The Director of the Department of Workforce Services may waive these requirements if deemed unduly burdensome for a worker.

Mere registration and reporting at a local employment office does not constitute sufficient evidence of ability to work or willingness to accept work.

Part-time work is considered suitable work unless the majority of work weeks in the eligibility determination period were full-time work.

The Department of Workforce Services and Department of Career Education shall jointly adopt rules implementing the unemployment eligibility requirements and defining qualifying adult education classes.