Tennessee Senate Bill SB1285

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Chaptered: 5/19/23
• Passed: 5/19/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8; Title 50; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to employment.

Impact

The proposed changes will significantly affect how unemployment benefits are administered in Tennessee. By mandating specific work search activities, the bill seeks to enhance accountability among claimants and reduce fraud. The requirement that unemployed individuals demonstrate their efforts in job searching could potentially increase the number of people actively involved in the workforce, which is viewed as a positive economic move. However, the bill also alters the conditions under which benefits can be disqualified, particularly for non-compliance with job interview attendance.

Summary

Senate Bill 1285 aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to employment and unemployment insurance. The primary focus of the bill is to formalize the requirements for job search activities for individuals receiving unemployment benefits. The legislation proposes that claimants must engage in at least four work search activities per week and outlines acceptable activities that include job fairs, interviews, and resume submissions. This amendment intends to improve workforce participation and ensure claimants are actively seeking employment.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 1285 is mixed among stakeholders. Proponents argue that the bill encourages individuals to actively participate in their job search, which can ultimately boost the state's employment rates. They believe that this active search requirement helps align unemployment benefits with the need to encourage employment. Conversely, critics express concerns that these stringent requirements may create additional barriers for vulnerable populations who may face challenges in meeting the outlined obligations, thus complicating their access to necessary support during unemployment.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise around the definition of 'reasonable effort' to secure work, particularly in the context of varying local job markets and individual circumstances. Opponents of the bill fear that the inflexible requirements may unfairly penalize individuals for failing to attend interviews due to legitimate reasons such as illness or family emergencies. Additionally, the bill's impact on how unemployment claims are verified and the introduction of reporting portals for employers to flag non-compliance could raise privacy and fairness concerns.