SB92 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Arthur OrrSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Compensation, unemployment, to increase the possible weekly benefit, to lower weeks of unemployment benefits from 26 to 14 to 20 based on the unemployment rate in the recipient's county of residence, and to provide for additional benefits for persons undertaking job training or certification, Secs. 25-4-72, 25-4-74 am'd.
Summary: SB 92 would reform Alabama's unemployment benefits by adjusting the weekly and total benefit amounts based on county unemployment, change how weekly benefits are calculated, and add up to five weeks for approved job training.
What This Bill Does
The bill changes the total benefits a person can receive in a benefit year to be the lesser of a multiplier (14 to 20 times the weekly benefit amount, depending on the county's unemployment rate) and one-fourth of the worker's base-period wages. The weekly benefit amount is now calculated using the average wages from the two highest-wage base-period quarters, divided evenly across weeks. It also adds up to five extra weeks of benefits for individuals enrolled in an approved job training or certification program who are making satisfactory progress, after regular benefits are exhausted. These changes take effect January 1, 2019.

Who It Affects
Unemployed individuals in Alabama: their total benefit year and weekly benefit amount would be determined by county unemployment rates and base-period wages, potentially changing how much and for how long they can receive benefits.
Job training or certification program participants: eligible for up to five additional weeks of benefits after exhausting regular benefits if enrolled in an approved program.

Key Provisions
Amendment of Sections 25-4-72 and 25-4-74 to set the total benefits for a benefit year as the lesser of a multiplier (14–20 times weekly benefit, based on county unemployment rate) and one-fourth of base-period wages.
Maximum weekly benefit amount calculated as an equal division of the wages from the two highest-wage base-period quarters (based on insured work).
Introduction of up to five extra weeks of benefits for those enrolled in an Alabama Department of Labor–approved job training or certification program who are making satisfactory progress.
Effective date: January 1, 2019.

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