OklahomaOklahoma requires three weekly job search actions starting November 2026
Starting November 1, 2026, Oklahoma unemployment claimants must complete three weekly search actions, or more if required, with a waiver for jury duty.
What it does
Starting November 1, 2026, claimants must complete three weekly job search actions, or more if the state requires, to avoid losing that week's benefits. A jury-duty waiver applies.
Starting November 1, 2026, accepted actions include job applications, interviews, and certain employment services. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission can also recognize other activities.
Argument forCounting interviews, job fairs, and resume preparation could give claimants several practical ways to meet weekly job search requirements.
Argument againstClaimants could lose a week's benefits for missing the required number of search actions, even while looking for suitable work.
More detail
Claimants must diligently seek suitable work and complete three job search actions each week. People claiming Oklahoma unemployment benefits lose benefits for any week when they fail either search requirement. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission may require more actions based on economic or geographic factors. Suitable work must offer pay generally available locally and fit the person's experience, education, and training. The search requirements are waived for people summoned for jury duty while they remain on that duty under the original summons. The law takes effect November 1, 2026.
The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission determines which job search actions count and must accept the listed activities. Claimants can count employer contacts, state employment services, and steps to prepare for work, including government job exams. Networking events must be sponsored by the Commission. Volunteer training must be likely to lead to paid employment. Resume preparation must involve a complete resume in the state's employment service system for obtaining work. The Commission may recognize other search activities. The list of accepted actions takes effect November 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 12Approved by Governor Kevin Stitt 05/11/2026Became Law
- May 6Sent to GovernorTo Governor
- May 6Signed, returned to Senate
- May 6Enrolled, to House
- May 5Referred for enrollment
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- May 5Signed, returned to Senate
- May 5Third Reading, Measure passed: Ayes: 81 Nays: 5Major
- May 5General Order
- Apr 14CR; Do Pass Commerce and Economic Development Oversight CommitteeMinor
- Vote recorded Commerce And Economic Development Oversight Committee: Do Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 7Policy recommendation to the Commerce and Economic Development Oversight committee; Do Pass BusinessMinor
- Vote recorded Business Committee: Do Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 30Referred to BusinessMinor
- Mar 30Second Reading referred to Commerce and Economic Development OversightMinor
- Mar 10First ReadingMinor
- Mar 10Engrossed to HousePassed House
- Mar 9Referred for engrossment
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 9Measure passed: Ayes: 46 Nays: 0Passed Senate
- Mar 9General Order, Considered
- Feb 24Placed on General Order
- Feb 19Reported Do Pass, amended by committee substitute Business and Insurance committee; CR filedMinor
- Vote recorded Do Pass Amended Cs. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 3Coauthored by Representative Hill (principal House author)
- Feb 3Second Reading referred to Business and InsuranceMinor
- Feb 2Authored by Senator Alvord
- Feb 2First ReadingIntroduced
Economy & Jobs