HB473 Summary

• Amends Section 25-4-75 of the Alabama Code to extend unemployment compensation benefits based on state unemployment figures for weeks beginning after December 17, 2010, through December 31, 2011.

• Modifies the "state 'on' indicator" criteria to allow extended benefits when the average total unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) equals or exceeds 110 percent of the average for corresponding three-month periods in the three preceding calendar years.

• Increases total extended benefit amounts during high unemployment periods from 50 percent to 80 percent of regular benefits payable, and from 13 weeks to 20 weeks of benefit duration.

• Establishes eligibility requirements for extended benefits, including that claimants must be "exhaustees" (exhausted regular benefits) and satisfy work search requirements with exceptions for jury duty.

• Became effective immediately upon passage and approval, with House passage on May 3, 2011, and Senate passage on June 2, 2011.