AL HB29

Increases work search requirements for unemployment benefits by requiring claimants to contact prospective employers based on county population: at least 3 employers per week for counties with fewer than 20,000 residents, or at least 5 employers per week for counties with 20,000 or more residents.

Requires claimants to provide proof of work search efforts when filing weekly certifications and prohibits counting the same employer twice unless that employer has indicated they are actively hiring.

Establishes that the Department of Labor must conduct random reviews of at least 5 percent of work search proof submitted by claimants each week.

Allows the Governor to suspend work search requirements during a state of emergency to the extent permitted by federal law.

Makes nonsubstantive technical revisions to update existing unemployment compensation code language and becomes effective October 1, 2025.