OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - The Oklahoma Senate has approved legislation its author says is designed to reduce unemployment benefit fraud.

Sen. Dan Newberry of Tulsa says the bill would deter fraud and encourage unemployed workers to actively seek job opportunities.

Newberry says unemployment benefits are supposed to help a worker when they lose their job and are transitioning to new opportunities. But Newberry says the benefits should not be a disincentive to work.

The measure requires those who file for unemployment benefits to provide documentation within seven days showing they are actively seeking a job. Newberry says curbing unemployment benefit fraud saves the state money and lowers the cost of doing business for small businesses in Oklahoma.

The measure was approved by the Senate Wednesday and now returns to the House for further consideration.