KY HB437

Eliminates the one-week waiting period before unemployed workers can begin receiving unemployment benefits, which was previously required for initial claims filed after January 1, 2012

Requires claimants to complete at least five verifiable work search activities each week, with at least three being formal job applications or employment interviews

Defines qualifying work search activities as: submitting job applications (in person or online), interviewing for employment, job shadowing, attending job fairs or networking events, participating in job search workshops, or engaging with Kentucky Career Center programs

Mandates the cabinet to conduct randomized weekly audits to evaluate compliance with work search requirements and submit annual reports to the Governor and Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment

Maintains existing eligibility requirements including minimum base-period wages of $1,500 in the highest quarter and participation in reemployment services for those identified as likely to exhaust benefits