KY HB738

Requires unemployment claimants to complete at least 5 verifiable work search activities weekly, with at least 3 consisting of formally submitting job applications or interviewing for employment

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

Extends the return-to-work exemption period from 16 weeks to 12 months, allowing workers with verified recall prospects to receive benefits without actively seeking other work

Adds new exemption for workers whose place of employment becomes nonoperational due to a natural disaster, if operations are expected to resume within 12 months

Mandates the cabinet conduct randomized weekly audits of work search compliance and submit annual reports to the Governor and Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment detailing compliance rates, common activities, and recommendations