PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -
A state advisory panel is discussing possible changes to South Dakota's unemployment insurance system.
The Unemployment Advisory Council is meeting Monday to discuss some federal requirements designed to combat fraud.
The proposed changes in South Dakota law would include a mandatory financial penalty for people who file fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits. It also would deal with businesses who fail to respond to a state agency's request for information.
The panel also will evaluate a mechanism that applies a surcharge to businesses when the state unemployment insurance trust fund falls below a certain balance.
The unemployment insurance program provides temporary financial assistance to people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. It is financed by a payroll tax on businesses.