HB71 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Phil Williams
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Unemployment compensation, certain employees may not receive unemployment benefits, Sec. 25-4-70 am'd.
Summary: HB71 changes unemployment benefits rules to deny benefits for certain private-sector workers who provide direct services to schools during school breaks and vacations.
What This Bill Does
The bill amends Section 25-4-70 to prohibit unemployment benefits for weeks of unemployment during holidays, fall and winter breaks, and summer vacation for employees of private companies that directly serve schools. It adds a new provision, effective May 1, 2015, that bars benefits for weeks between academic years or terms or during vacation periods for workers employed by employers primarily or exclusively providing services to educational institutions, if there is reasonable assurance of returning to similar work. It defines reasonable assurance as a return‑to‑work agreement that can be written, verbal, or implied, including contractual terms like tenure in some cases.

Who It Affects
Employees of private companies that provide direct services to schools (denied unemployment benefits during school breaks).
Employees of employers whose main business is providing services to educational institutions (denied unemployment benefits for weeks between academic years/terms or during vacations if there is reasonable assurance of returning).

Key Provisions
Amends Section 25-4-70 to deny unemployment benefits for weeks of unemployment during specified school breaks for employees of private companies that directly serve schools.
Adds a new provision, effective May 1, 2015, denying benefits for weeks between academic years/terms or during vacation periods for workers employed by employers primarily or exclusively serving educational institutions, when there is reasonable assurance of returning to similar work.
Defines reasonable assurance as a written, verbal, or implied agreement that the employee will perform services in the next academic year or term, with some references to contract terms (including tenure).
Specifies the provision applies regardless of the employer’s federal tax status or whether the employer is religious, charitable, or educational.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Unemployment Compensation