SB224 Summary

• Amends Section 25-4-77, Code of Alabama 1975, to require unemployed individuals to contact at least three prospective employers per week to receive unemployment benefits, effective July 1, 2022.

• Defines "reasonable and active effort" to include systematic and sustained efforts to find work through contacting prospective employers, with claimants required to provide proof of work search efforts when filing weekly certifications.

• Prohibits claimants from listing the same prospective employer in subsequent weeks unless the employer has indicated it is hiring since the initial contact.

• Requires the Department of Labor to conduct random reviews of at least 5 percent of work search proof provided by claimants each week, with the Governor able to suspend work search requirements during a state of emergency to the extent permitted by federal law.

• Requires the Department of Labor to provide applicants with simple instructions on how to apply for benefits and provide all required recurring certifications to continue receiving benefits.