The bill, HB29 Engrossed, amends Sections 25-4-77 and 25-4-78 of the Code of Alabama 1975, focusing on the eligibility criteria for unemployment compensation. It introduces new requirements for unemployed individuals to actively seek work, mandating that they contact a specified number of prospective employers weekly based on their county's population size. Claimants must provide proof of their job search efforts and are prohibited from contacting the same employer unless that employer has indicated they are hiring. The bill also allows the Governor to suspend the work search requirement during a state of emergency. Additionally, it clarifies disqualification criteria related to labor disputes and voluntary quitting, ensuring that individuals are not disqualified for leaving work due to illness or disability if they notify their employer.

Further amendments address unemployment benefits in relation to sickness, disability, and drug testing. The bill requires individuals to notify their employer of their inability to work due to sickness or disability and comply with established leave policies to avoid disqualification. It also establishes that a confirmed positive drug test will lead to disqualification from benefits if the individual has received prior warnings about the consequences of such tests. The bill clarifies that benefits will not be paid during periods of unemployment due to sickness or disability if the individual is on an employer-granted leave of absence. Other provisions include the treatment of back pay awards, pension payments, and the eligibility of aliens for benefits, with specific criteria outlined for each. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability and clarify the responsibilities of both employees and employers regarding unemployment benefits.

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