Bill
HB 4978
Workforce WV would proactively contact unemployment filers to match them with available jobs that fit their prior work history and salary range.
HB 4978 (West Virginia, 2026 Session)
Title: Permitting Workforce WV to actively reach out to Unemployment Compensation filers with available jobs that fit their prior job history and salary range
Summary
This bill would authorize the statewide Workforce WV agency to proactively contact individuals who are filing Unemployment Compensation (UC) and who have prior job histories and salary ranges that align with currently available job openings. The goal is to connect UC filers with suitable employment opportunities and improve re-employment outcomes.
Key Provisions and Changes
- Proactive outreach authority: Workforce WV would be empowered to actively reach out to UC filers, rather than waiting for applicants to seek help, in order to match job openings to each filer’s work history and compensation range.
- Matching criteria: Outreach and job referrals would be based on the filer’s prior occupation, work experience, and salary history, aiming to present opportunities that fit their established career trajectory and wage expectations.
- Job placement focus: The outreach would emphasize placement into available jobs that align with the filer’s qualifications, potentially including job coaching and referral to employer-funded or state-supported programs.
- Data use and privacy (implicit consideration): The bill would involve use of UC filing data to identify suitable job matches. The summary implies that appropriate data handling and privacy considerations would apply, though specific privacy provisions are not detailed in the provided text.
- Cooperative program structure: The initiative would operate within the existing Workforce WV framework, aligning outreach activities with state workforce development strategies and available job data.
Who or What Would Be Affected
- UC filers: Individuals currently filing or periodically filing for Unemployment Compensation would be the primary target of the proactive outreach, receiving job-matching communications.
- Workforce WV: The state agency responsible for workforce development and unemployment services would gain authority and responsibility to perform targeted outreach and facilitate placements.
- Employers: Employers with open positions that match UC filers’ prior work history and salary range could benefit from a streamlined pool of qualified applicants.
- State workforce system: Other partners and programs within the WV workforce development ecosystem may coordinate with Workforce WV to implement referrals, coaching, and placement services.
Significant Procedural or Timeline Aspects
- Introduction and sponsorship: The bill was introduced in January 2026 and has multiple co-sponsors, indicating cross-chamber or cross-faction support within West Virginia House.
- Committee track: The bill has previously been referred to House committees (Government Organization, then Government Administration) in its early stages, suggesting standard committee review, potential amendments, and hearings before floor consideration.
- Implementation timeline: Not specified in the text provided. If enacted, implementation would likely require rulemaking, system integration (UC and job-matching data), and staff training. The timeline would typically include a phased rollout and performance benchmarks.
Potential Impacts and Considerations
- Re-employment efficiency: By actively matching UC filers to suitable job openings, the bill aims to reduce time-to-placement and decrease reliance on unemployment benefits.
- Targeted employment ties: Prioritizing roles that align with an individual’s history and salary expectations could improve job retention and satisfaction.
- Privacy and data protection: The program’s success depends on careful handling of UC data and adherence to privacy and data sharing laws; explicit provisions would clarify permissible uses.
- Budget and resources: Effective outreach would require staffing, data systems, and coordination with employers; cost considerations and funding sources would be addressed during the bill’s fiscal analysis.
In sum, HB 4978 seeks to enhance re-employment by authorizing Workforce WV to actively contact UC filers with job opportunities that fit their past work experience and salary history, integrating this outreach into the state’s broader workforce development efforts.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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