2026 Regular Session - Day 56 - SB 136 | Rep. Josh Branscum

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Leader. Senate Bill 136 is a cleanup of last year's Senate Bill 162, which addressed reporting of persons suspected of fraudulently obtaining or attempting to obtain unemployment insurance. This bill simply cleans up that language of who this information gets reported to by the Cabinet. It strikes out the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, as this language last year, that was put in last year, there was some confusion and just needs some cleanup. And it adds that it will be reported to the U.S. Department of Labor, as opposed to last year's language of the Department of Justice. Mr. Speaker, will the clerk please report House Committee Substitute 1. Mr. Clerk, please report. House Committee Substitute 1 to Senate Bill 136. Gentleman from Russell. Thank you, Speaker. House Committee Substitute 1 addresses work search requirements for unemployment insurance, specifically for individuals who have a definite return to work or recall to work. And this was done in coordination with the Cabinet. The committee substates that if an employee has a bona fide definite return or recall to work with their former employer, they will be exempt from the work search requirements up to and not to exceed one year. If it is attested to in the letter from the employer to the secretary, it identifies the worker or workers and the reason for their non-employment. An expected return or recall to work date is stated, and it also has to authorize the employer's reserve account to be charged for these benefits. The employee must agree to this as well. The secretary will ensure that there is an employer-employee relationship before granting. And we've also given the secretary some discretion to ensure that we are staying in compliance with existing and new federal laws or rulings that could come down. Mr. Speaker, I move for adoption of House Committee Substitute 1. Motion may be the adoption of House Committee Substitute 1. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. All opposed, nay. Motion carries. House Committee Substitute 1 is adopted. Gentleman from Russell. Mr. Speaker, I move for passage of Senate Bill 136 as amended by House Committee Substitute 1.