HB 1057 Summary

• Transfers all powers, duties, functions, records, and personnel of the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission to the Department of Economic Opportunity effective October 1, 2013.

• Establishes regional appeal offices at each regional workforce board location, with appeals referees appointed by the boards and employees of the Department of Economic Opportunity.

• Creates review panels within each regional workforce board composed of a chair and two members appointed by the board chair (subject to Senate confirmation for the chair), replacing the former independent commission structure.

• Requires the Department of Economic Opportunity to maintain a central appeal office in Tallahassee and post final orders of review panels online.

• Maintains existing appeal procedures and filing requirements while reorganizing the administrative structure under departmental control, with a transition period allowing appeals filed before October 1, 2013 to be administered under prior law.