KY HB579

Eliminates the one-week waiting period before unemployed workers can begin receiving unemployment insurance benefits, allowing payments to start immediately upon filing an eligible claim

Requires claimants to complete at least five verifiable work search activities per week, with at least three consisting of formally submitting job applications or interviewing for employment

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

Mandates the cabinet to conduct randomized weekly audits of claimants to evaluate compliance with work search requirements and submit annual reports to the Governor and legislature on audit findings and recommendations

Amends KRS 341.350 and KRS 341.090 to update statutory cross-references reflecting the removal of the waiting period provision