AR HB1765

Director of Division of Workforce Services shall adopt policies by July 1, 2021 to recover improper unemployment benefit overpayments and allow employers to report individuals refusing suitable work offers.

Director shall adopt fraud prevention policies by January 1, 2022 to prevent benefits to incarcerated individuals and those listed as employed on state and national new hire databases, and utilize the national integrity data hub.

A 0.15% stabilization tax on taxable wages collected April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023 shall be deposited into the Unemployment Insurance Administration Fund, capped at $35,000,000 and reduced by federal funding received.

Fund shall be used for unemployment insurance program administration expenses, including modernizing information technology systems and hardware.

Director shall submit a report to Legislative Council by December 31, 2023 describing fraud impact and Division efforts to prevent, detect, and recover improper payments; act is retroactive to April 1, 2021 and declared an emergency.