HB398 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim WadsworthRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Small businesses, Dept of Labor to create program to assist small businesses with job creation

Summary

The bill would create the Alabama Job Creation Ombudsman in the Department of Labor to help very small businesses hire workers and navigate hiring rules.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Alabama Job Creation Ombudsman within the Department of Labor to assist businesses with fewer than five employees in completing the lawful hiring process. The Ombudsman must provide an updated hiring outline and checklist, a repository of all necessary state and federal forms, a website with downloadable resources and links to related agencies, and phone or web-based help to interact with government agencies during hiring. If a small employer completes the required steps, they would be immune from criminal and civil liability for deficiencies in the hiring process.

Who It Affects

• Small businesses with fewer than five employees, who would gain access to guidance, forms, and assistance to hire legally and efficiently, plus potential liability immunity if they follow the steps.
• State and local government agencies, federal agencies, and quasi-governmental organizations involved in hiring, which would be connected through the Ombudsman’s resources and supported in interactions with small employers.

Key Provisions

• Create the Alabama Job Creation Ombudsman within the Department of Labor to help small businesses with fewer than five employees hire workers.
• Ombudsman duties include: (1) maintaining an updated hiring outline and checklist; (2) creating a forms repository for necessary hiring documents; (3) running a website with downloadable resources and agency links; (4) offering phone and web-based assistance to communicate with relevant government agencies during hiring.
• Employers who complete the required steps gain immunity from criminal and civil liability related to hiring deficiencies.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Small Business