SB48 Summary

• Amends Section 25-4-8 of the Alabama Code to further define "employing unit" and "employer" under unemployment compensation law.

• Clarifies that employers acquiring at least 65 percent of another employer's organization, trade, employees, or business located in Alabama must account for the geographic location requirement in determining employer status.

• Establishes penalties for knowingly violating rate assignment and experience transfer rules, including assignment of highest tax rates for four years or a penalty rate of 2 percent above the maximum rate, and civil penalties up to $10,000 or 10 percent of underreported amounts for non-employers.

• Defines "knowingly" as having actual knowledge or acting with deliberate ignorance or reckless disregard, and establishes that violations may be prosecuted as Class C felonies.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.