The bill HB29 Engrossed amends Sections 25-4-77 and 25-4-78 of the Code of Alabama 1975, primarily increasing the number of prospective employers that unemployed individuals must contact to maintain eligibility for unemployment compensation. Specifically, individuals in counties with populations under 20,000 must contact at least three prospective employers each week, while those in larger counties must contact at least five. The bill also mandates that claimants provide proof of their job search efforts when filing weekly certifications and prohibits contacting the same employer unless they have indicated they are hiring since the initial contact. Additionally, the bill allows the Governor to suspend the work search requirement during a state of emergency. It includes clarifications and deletions in language regarding disqualification criteria, labor disputes, and voluntary quitting, while introducing definitions for "reasonable and active effort" in job searching.

Furthermore, the bill outlines new provisions related to drug testing and unemployment benefits, stating that individuals who test positive for illegal drugs after receiving a written warning will be disqualified from benefits. It modifies disqualification criteria for misconduct, specifying that employees discharged for misconduct will be disqualified for the week of discharge and up to four subsequent weeks. The bill also clarifies conditions under which individuals may be disqualified due to the revocation of necessary licenses or certifications, while ensuring that those who have made reasonable efforts to restore their credentials are not penalized. Additional amendments address the acceptance of suitable work, the impact of pension payments on unemployment benefits, and the treatment of back pay awards, with the act set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 25-4-77, 25-4-78
Engrossed: 25-4-77, 25-4-78