Wisconsin Senate Bill SB235

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/14/23
• Refer: 4/14/23
• Report Pass: 5/26/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Various changes to the unemployment insurance law and authorizing the secretary of administration to transfer employees from any executive branch agency to the Department of Workforce Development for certain purposes. (FE)

Impact

Another notable aspect of the bill is the provision for enhanced education and training materials about the UI system for both employers and claimants. This includes the publication of training videos on the DWD website and live training seminars at no cost, offered quarterly. These educational initiatives are intended to provide better understanding and facilitate smoother transactions within the UI framework. Additionally, the DWD is required to maintain a call center for providing assistance to claimants, with extended operational hours during significant increases in call volume or declared states of emergency.

Summary

Senate Bill 235 introduces significant amendments to the unemployment insurance (UI) laws administered by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD). One of the primary changes is the mandated implementation of identity-proofing measures for claimants, ensuring that their identity is verified before filing initial claims for benefits. This requirement aligns with digital identity guidelines established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, aiming to bolster the integrity of the claims process.

Contention

The bill also mandates weekly comparisons of UI benefit recipients against various state and national databases to detect fraud or erroneous payments. This proactive stance in utilizing data for fraud detection represents a shift towards a more stringent oversight framework in the administration of unemployment benefits, potentially minimizing improper payments significantly. The authority to transfer employees from other state agencies to assist DWD during critical times also delineates a flexible approach to managing workforce challenges, ensuring that the department has adequate resources when needed.