SB224 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Gerald H. AllenWill BarfootTom ButlerDonnie ChesteenChris ElliottGarlan GudgerJimmy HolleyAndrew JonesSteve LivingstonJim McClendonGreg J. ReedDan RobertsDavid SessionsLarry StuttsApril Weaver

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Unemployment compensation, individual required to search for work a certain number of times per week to be eligible to receive benefits, Sec. 25-4-77 am'd.

Summary

SB224 changes Alabama's unemployment benefits to require active job searching (three employers per week) for eligibility, with waivers and training protections, effective January 1, 2023.

What This Bill Does

The bill makes active job searching a key requirement for receiving benefits, requiring claimants to contact at least three prospective employers each week and prove these efforts. It allows the secretary to waive or adjust the work-search rules in certain situations and imposes random reviews of proof. It preserves training-related protections, clarifying when enrollment in approved training can’t be used to deny benefits, and requires the Department of Labor to provide simple instructions for applying and maintaining benefits.

Who It Affects

• Unemployed individuals in Alabama who are filing for unemployment benefits; they must actively search for work (three prospective employers per week) and provide proof to remain eligible.
• The Alabama Department of Labor and the state unemployment system; they will enforce the new rules, review work-search proofs (including random checks), issue guidance, and administer waivers.

Key Provisions

• Adds a requirement that to be eligible for benefits, claimants must actively search for work, including contacting at least three prospective employers per week and providing proof with weekly certifications.
• Allows the secretary to waive or modify the work-search or reporting requirements for individuals with regular jobs or in other cases where strict compliance would be oppressive or inconsistent with unemployment goals.
• Maintains training protections by allowing benefits to continue for those enrolled in approved training if certain conditions are met (e.g., training targets in-demand occupations, is not for a degree, and progress is shown), and addresses related Trade Act training scenarios.
• Authorizes random reviews of work-search proofs (at least 5% of proofs) and allows the Governor to suspend the work-search requirement during a state of emergency.
• Requires the Department of Labor to provide simple instructions on how to apply and how to complete recurring certifications for continued benefits.
• Effective date: January 1, 2023.

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

Subjects

Unemployment Compensation