AL HB398

Establishes the Alabama Job Creation Ombudsman within the Department of Labor to assist businesses with fewer than five employees in lawfully hiring employees.

Requires the ombudsman to create and maintain an updated detailed outline and checklist of the hiring process, a repository of all necessary state and federal forms, and a website with downloadable resources and links to relevant agency websites.

Mandates the ombudsman provide phone and web-based assistance to eligible employers in communicating with federal, state, county, and municipal government agencies during the hiring process.

Grants immunity from criminal and civil liability to employers with fewer than five employees who complete all steps provided by the ombudsman relating to hiring process deficiencies.

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