Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Unemployment Insurance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves DWD agency bill to speed unemployment payments and prevent fraud
Summary
The committee passed SB162, DWD's agency bill, 11–0 after an amendment clarifying direct‑deposit bank requirements; the bill removes accrued vacation and sick pay from deductible income to speed benefit payments and includes technical updates to UI code.
The Committee on Pensions and Labor voted to pass Senate Bill 162, the Department of Workforce Development's agency bill, after adopting an amendment to clarify direct‑deposit language requested by the Indiana Bankers Association.
Chairwoman Rogers introduced the amendment addressing section 12, specifying that a bank used for DWD direct deposits must have a physical branch location in Indiana or be designated as an approved depository by the state treasurer; the change was presented as a fraud‑prevention step. A motion to adopt the amendment was seconded and accepted by consent.
Sarah Potter of DWD told the committee that the bill's substantive changes are designed to improve customer service and align state rules with federal labor law. Potter explained removing vacation and sick pay from the definition of deductible income would produce timelier benefit payments and reduce administrative adjudication, and that the change supports Executive Order 25‑32 to accelerate initial WorkOne contact for claimants.
Lauren Murphy of the Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute told the committee she supported SB162 and urged further steps to assist unemployed Hoosiers, saying the current maximum benefit of $390 per week leaves many struggling to meet basic needs. Sean Chris of the Indiana State AFL‑CIO and other witnesses also voiced support for the DWD reforms; the Indiana Bankers Association said it remained neutral while continuing to consult on branch‑definition language.
The committee moved to pass SB162 as amended; a roll call produced an 11–0 vote in favor. Chair Rogers said she would continue to work with DWD and bankers as the bill moves through the process. The committee adjourned following that vote.
Next steps: SB162 will be recommitted as required by committee procedure and proceed through the legislative process.
