2021 House Bill 5552

Create new “unemployment citizens' advocate” office

Introduced in the House

Nov. 10, 2021

Introduced by Rep. Jack O’Malley (R-101)

To create a state “unemployment citizens' advocate” office to investigate complaints by individuals claiming or collecting unemployment insurance benefits.

Referred to the Committee on Oversight

Jan. 18, 2022

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Jan. 26, 2022

Amendment offered by Rep. Yousef Rabhi (D-53)

To tie-bar the bill to House Bill 4341, meaning this bill cannot become law unless that one does also. HB 4341 would exempt an individual collecting unemployment insurance benefits from the duty to seek work and other requirements during a declared emergency like the coronavirus epidemic.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Tim Sneller (D-50)

To tie-bar the bill to House Bill 4436, meaning this bill cannot become law unless that one does also. HB 4436 would revise procedures for waiving repayment from individuals who received allegedly improper unemployment benefits the state seeks to reclaim.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Nate Shannon (D-25)

To require the “unemployment citizens' advocate” office proposed by House Bill 5552 to file reports on the state unemployment agency's systems, staff and budget.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the House 74 to 28 (details)

To create a state “unemployment citizens' advocate” office to investigate complaints by individuals claiming or collecting unemployment insurance benefits. See also House Bills 5528, 5549, 5550, 5551, 5553, and 5554.

Received in the Senate

Jan. 27, 2022

Referred to the Committee on Economic and Small Business Development