HB 477 Summary

• Amends the definition of "registered for work" to require individuals to provide information to the department to facilitate work search efforts and increase job referrals, removing specific requirements to post information on an internet job-matching system.

• Repeals Section 383-12 which required the department to allow individuals to post work availability online or accept information for posting on the department's internet job-matching system.

• Expands waiver categories for work registration and reporting requirements to include union members in good standing receiving job referrals through labor union placement services, individuals involved in labor disputes, and individuals suspended from work (limited to four consecutive weeks).

• Effective April 1, 2027, permits the department to send electronic notifications of unemployment claim determinations and redeterminations, with individuals able to elect to receive notices by mail instead.

• Removes the limitation that individuals could change their elected withholding status for taxes only once during a benefit year, allowing multiple changes.