AR SB299

Part-time work is considered suitable work unless the majority of weeks in the eligibility period were from full-time work; light-duty work is suitable for workers on approved medical leave unless they previously worked full-time.

Requalifying wages requirement increased from 8 to 10 times the weekly benefit amount subsequent to filing the previous benefit year claim.

Disqualification periods changed from referencing "filing a claim" to "effective date of the disqualification" in multiple sections governing willful misconduct, failure to accept work, and separation payments.

For false statements or misrepresentation on claims filed on or after January 1, 2018: disqualification increased from 10 to 20 weeks for initial claims, and statute of limitations extended from 2.5 to 5 years.

Fraudulent overpayment penalties increased from 15% to 50%, with excess penalty portions deposited into a new "UI Integrity Fund" for integrity-related activities; act effective October 1, 2019.