By Mike Cason
Gov. Kay Ivey announced the signing of three bills today, including one that will require people to contact three employers every week to receive unemployment compensation, the governor’s office announced.
State law already required people who apply for unemployment to maintain a “reasonable and active effort” to find work. The bill by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, and Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, further defines that as “systematic and sustained efforts to find work, including contacting at least three prospective employers for each week of unemployment claimed.” The Legislature passed it last week.
Garrett said on the House floor last week that the requirement has been one contact per week. He said that is not in the law but was a rule of the Alabama Department of Labor, which administers unemployment.
Under the new law, the Department of Labor will conduct random reviews of at least 5 percent of the work search claims.
Ivey noted today that Alabama’s unemployment rate of 3 percent is the lowest in the southeast.
“However, we want to do everything possible to continue supporting our businesses,” Ivey said in a press release. “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.”
Some Democratic lawmakers opposed the bill, saying it would be a hindrance for people already struggling, including those in rural areas where job opportunities are not as readily available.
In Alabama, people can draw up to $275 a week in unemployment compensation for up to 14 weeks. Those who enter a qualified training program can qualify for an additional five weeks.
Ivey signed a bill by Sen. Dan Roberts, R-Mountain Brook, that will allow the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Medical Licensure Commission to draft rules for telemedicine care, the governor’s office said.
“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,” Ivey said. “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.”
The third bill Ivey signed will exempt homeless students from paying fees to get or replace a driver’s driver license fees. Those fees are $36.25, to obtain a license, $15 for a duplicate license, and $5 for a license examination.
Students could receive the exemption if their homeless status is documented by the liaison for homeless youth in their school system.
“I have signed House Bill 385 to remove a barrier to give our homeless youth the opportunity to obtain needed identification for employment purposes,” Ivey said. “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.”