Bill targets interview no-shows

SANDUSKY — If a proposed state law receives approval, then it would be much easier to report state unemployment recipients who do not show up for their job interviews. Under House Bill 395, proposed by state Rep. Brian Lorenz, R-Powell, and state Rep. Jennifer Gross, R-West Chester, would require the state's director of job and family services — who heads the office that oversees the distribution of unemployment benefits — to establish an online portal that lets employers report individuals who fail to show up for their scheduled job interviews. The legislation would primarily affect those who are receiving unemployment benefits. "Ohio businesses lose time and productivity when candidates no‑show. This bill modernizes the hiring process, holding applicants accountable and helping employers thrive," Lorenz said. "No more ghosting employers: a simple online system brings transparency and efficiency to our workforce pipeline." The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services already offers a way to report no-show interviews online, but it's a process that takes several steps, according to NBC 4 Columbus,. Lorenz stated that this bill would streamline the process. The bill's sponsors said that this legislation would protect employers' time and preserve unemployment resources. Emails sent to local state House representatives Kellie Deeter, R-Norwalk, and D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, as well as Gross for comment on the bill were not answered by deadline. Neither Deeter nor Swearingen was listed among the bill's co-sponsors. State Rep. Michelle Teska, R-Clearcreek Township, who is sponsoring a bill that would cut Ohioans' unemployment from a maximum of 26 to 20 weeks, also did not respond to a request for comment. House Bill 395, which is co-sponsored by five Republican representatives, was introduced to the Ohio House on July 21. It is unclear if and when a hearing could be scheduled for the bill.