A state Senate panel passed a bill that, in the words of its supporters, “levels the playing field” for companies in Florida’s unemployment compensation system, where claims decisions are currently “liberally construed” in favor of people seeking benefits.
The bill would broaden the definition of employee misconduct that can be used to disqualify people seeking benefits and eliminate the presumption that decisions about whether to pay benefits should be tilted in favor of people who lose their jobs, among other changes. It also increases requirements for the unemployed to prove they are looking for work.
Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, said the bill will reduce “fraud and abuse” in the system and make it “as far as we can humanly possibly be.”
The House version of the measure would also shorten the maximum number of weeks benefits are paid from 26 to 20. Detert’s bill would not.
She said she’s satisfied with the Senate’s version, but is open to other changes, such as provisions that would require people receiving benefits to do community service.
Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, said requiring the unemployed to perform community service could be good for their mental well-being, helping to keep them from languishing in despair while they’re out of work.
