Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB471

Introduced
10/2/25  
Refer
10/2/25  

Caption

An Act to repeal 108.04 (2) (bb) and 108.04 (2) (bd); to amend 108.04 (2) (a) (intro.) and 108.04 (2) (bm); to repeal and recreate 108.04 (2) (a) 3. and 108.04 (2) (b) of the statutes; Relating to: unemployment insurance work search and registration and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Impact

Under SB471, the existing statutory requirement that claimants must conduct a weekly work search will be amended significantly. By allowing DWD to create rules regarding work search waivers, the bill aims to provide the department with better tools to respond to unique situations of unemployment. This will potentially ease the burden on claimants who might otherwise struggle to comply with inflexible work search patterns, especially in times of economic fluctuation or during periods of anticipated recall to their former jobs.

Summary

Senate Bill 471 addresses the regulations surrounding unemployment insurance in Wisconsin, specifically focusing on the requirements for claimants regarding work search and registration. The intent of the bill is to streamline the requirements enforced by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), allowing the department greater flexibility in establishing waivers from current mandates. This change arises from a desire to adapt to the ever-changing job market and the realities faced by unemployed individuals, particularly those who may be on the verge of being recalled to work or starting new jobs imminently.

Conclusion

Ultimately, SB471 represents a significant policy shift in the state's approach to unemployment insurance. By enhancing the DWD's rule-making authority in establishing waivers for work search requirements, the legislation is aimed at more effectively matching the job search obligations of claimants with the actual labor market demands and realities. Stakeholders will have to monitor the implementation of such changes closely to ensure that they fulfill the intended objectives without undermining the foundational purpose of unemployment benefits.

Contention

The key point of contention surrounding this bill revolves around the balance of authority between state regulations and local conditions affecting unemployment. Supporters of the bill argue that it is essential for improving the efficiency of the unemployment system and offering a more tailored approach to claimants' needs. However, critics may worry about the implications this flexibility might have on accountability and the potential marginalization of oversight in ensuring that unemployed individuals are actively seeking suitable work.

Companion Bills

WI AB467

Crossfiled An Act to repeal 108.04 (2) (bb) and 108.04 (2) (bd); to amend 108.04 (2) (a) (intro.) and 108.04 (2) (bm); to repeal and recreate 108.04 (2) (a) 3. and 108.04 (2) (b) of the statutes; Relating to: unemployment insurance work search and registration and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI AB2462

Unsafe products: disposal: penalties.

WI AB467

Unemployment insurance work search and registration and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

WI SB730

Product safety: consumer products: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

WI SB682

Environmental health: product safety: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

WI SB72

An act to amend Sections 10004.

WI AB872

Environmental health: product safety: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

WI AB635

An act to amend Sections 18802, 18804, 18805, and 18806 of of, to amend and repeal Section 18803 of, and to add Section 18803.1 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to housing.

WI SB0049

Labor: health and safety; revisions to the occupational safety and health act; provide for. Amends title & secs. 4, 13, 14, 14a, 14e 14f, 14j, 14n, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 35, 36, 37, 41, 45, 46, 52, 54, 55, 56, 63, 65 & 91 of 1974 PA 154 (MCL 408.1004 et seq.) & repeals sec. 1035a of 1974 PA 154 (MCL 408.1035a).

WI AB170

An act relating to the Budget Act of 2025. An act to amend Sections 100, 10004, 10050, 19404, 23050, 23075, 26001, 26010, 26010.5, and 26040 of, and to amend and repeal Section 26180.5 of, the Business and Professions Code, to amend Sections 1916.12, 1918.5, and 5405 of the Civil Code, to amend Sections 300, 1514, 14382, 14652.5, and 18022.5 of the Financial Code, to amend, repeal, and add Section 513 of the Food and Agricultural Code, to amend Sections 12895, 12896, and 12944 of, to amend and repeal Sections 12804, 12804.5, and 12856 of, to amend, add, and repeal Section 15562.5 of, to amend, repeal, and add Sections 8587.11, 8876.7, 11546.1, 11550, 12800, 12855, 12901, 14030, 15990, and 65040.12 of, to add Sections 12804.1, 12804.2, 12804.3, and 12804.4 to, and to add Part 5.1 (commencing with Section 14470) to Division 3 of Title 2 of, the Government Code, to amend Sections 35805 and 127501.4 of, to amend and repeal Section 50407.5 of, and to amend, repeal, and add Sections 17974, 50093, 50150, 50151, 50153, 50154, 50210, 50216, 50230, 50250, 50400, 50423, 50462, 50900, 50901, 50913, 51005, 51624, 53524, and 54913 of, the Health and Safety Code, to amend, repeal, and add Section 998.547 of the Military and Veterans Code, to amend, repeal, and add Section 75121 of the Public Resources Code, to amend Section 10200 of the Unemployment Insurance Code, and to amend Sections 8255, 8256, 8257.01, 8257.1, and 8257.2 of, to amend, repeal, and add Sections 4581 and 9850 of, to add Sections 8257.02, 8257.03, 8257.04, and 8257.05 to, and to repeal and add the heading of Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 8255) of Division 8 of, the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to reorganization of the executive branch of state government, and making an appropriation therefor, to take effect immediately, bill related to the budget.

WI SB170

An act to amend Sections 100, 10004, 10050, 19404, 23050, 23075, 26001, 26010, 26010.5, and 26040 of, and to amend and repeal Section 26180.5 of, the Business and Professions Code, to amend Sections 1916.12, 1918.5, and 5405 of the Civil Code, to amend Sections 300, 1514, 14382, 14652.5, and 18022.5 of the Financial Code, to amend, repeal, and add Section 513 of the Food and Agricultural Code, to amend Sections 12895, 12896, and 12944 of, to amend and repeal Sections 12804, 12804.5, and 12856 of, to amend, repeal, and add Sections 8587.11, 8876.7, 11546.1, 11550, 12800, 12855, 12901, 14030, 15562.5, 15990, and 65040.12 of, to add Sections 12804.1, 12804.2, 12804.3, and 12804.4 to, and to add Part 5.1 (commencing with Section 14470) to Division 3 of Title 2 of, the Government Code, to amend Sections 35805 and 127501.4 of, to amend and repeal Section 50407.5 of, and to amend, repeal, and add Sections 17974, 50093, 50150, 50151, 50153, 50154, 50210, 50216, 50230, 50250, 50400, 50423, 50462, 50900, 50901, 50913, 51005, 51624, 53524, and 54913 of, the Health and Safety Code, to amend, repeal, and add Section 998.547 of the Military and Veterans Code, to amend, repeal, and add Section 75121 of the Public Resources Code, to amend Section 10200 of the Unemployment Insurance Code, and to amend Sections 8255, 8256, 8257.01, 8257.1, and 8257.2 of, to amend, repeal, and add Sections 4581 and 9850 of, to add Sections 8257.02, 8257.03, 8257.04, and 8257.05 to, and to repeal and add the heading of Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 8255) of Division 8 of, the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to reorganization of the executive branch of state government, and making an appropriation therefor, to take effect immediately, bill related to the budget.

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