Legislation adding requirements for those collecting unemployment benefits has been filed in the Alabama House of Representatives for the 2025 legislative session.
Under existing law, an unemployed person must make a "reasonable and active effort" to secure work for which they are qualified to be eligible to receive unemployment benefits, including contacting at least three prospective employers for each week of unemployment claimed.
A person may be disqualified for total or partial unemployment benefits if they fail to apply for "failure to seek or accept suitable work."
House Bill 29 (HB29) by State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) would increase the number of prospective employers an unemployed individual must contact each week of claimed unemployment benefits. It would also provide a standardized definition of "failure to seek or accept suitable work."
Under the bill's provisions, a person who collects unemployment would now be required to contact at least five prospective employees to continue being eligible for continued benefits. The Labor Department requires a claimant to provide proof of work search efforts when filing their weekly certification, which cannot include the same prospective employer.
The bill would also disqualify a person from continued unemployment benefits if they fail to appear for a previously scheduled interview or skills test without notifying the prospective employer of the need to delay or reschedule. Unless there is good cause for the failure to notify, the failure to appear shall be deemed a failure to seek or accept suitable work. A claimant who fails to respond to an offer to return to work or an offer of suitable employment within 72 hours will be deemed to have rejected an offer of suitable employment.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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