On Tuesday, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R) signed three notable bills into law which she said are aimed at improving Alabama communities.
Ivey signed Senate Bill 224 (SB224), which requires individuals to contact prospective employers at least three times per week for each week of unemployment claimed in order to be eligible to receive unemployment compensation benefits. This bill was sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur).
“Alabama is leading the nation in our economic recovery, and in fact, we have the lowest unemployment rate in the Southeast at 3.0%,” said Ivey in a statement. “However, we want to do everything possible to continue supporting our businesses. I signed Senate Bill 224 to ensure we are helping those that truly need unemployment assistance while also making sure we hold everyone accountable in their efforts to seek work when there are numerous job openings available.”
Ivey also signed Senate Bill 272, sponsored by Sen. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook), to allow the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Medical Licensure Commission to draft rules for telemedicine care.
“Over the last few years, the need to expand telehealth and telemedicine in our state has grown tremendously. Therefore, I am proud to sign Senate Bill 272, the first piece of legislation to regulate digital access to health care for Alabamians,” said Ivey. “SB 272 will further our efforts to give Alabamians more options as they seek quality medical care across the state. Being from rural Alabama, I know this legislation can have a major impact in rural citizens getting the care they need instead of putting it off.”
Ivey said that this measure goes hand in hand with the Ivey administration’s commitment to expanding broadband services in the state.
The governor also signed House Bill 385, sponsored by Rep. Kyle South. The bill exempts homeless youth from fees associated with obtaining driver's licenses.
“I have signed House Bill 385 to remove a barrier to give our homeless youth the opportunity to obtain needed identification for employment purposes,” said Ivy. “We want to make it easier for these youth to be able to make an income when they are at their lowest and working to get out of tough situations.”
The 2022 Alabama Regular Legislative Session ended on Thursday
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