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Committee approves HB 29 to raise unemployment work-search requirement from three to five contacts; opponents warn of rural burden
Summary
A committee approved HB 29 to require jobseekers receiving unemployment benefits to make five work-search efforts instead of three. Supporters said the change would reduce improper payments; opponents, including Alabama Arise, said it would disproportionately harm people in rural counties with limited transportation and broadband.
A House committee approved HB 29 after a public hearing and debate, moving a measure that raises the state—s unemployment work-search standard from three contacts to five.
Representative Brandon Woods, carrying the bill for Representative Alder, said the state currently had about 27,000 open positions and that an estimated $1,500,000 in unemployment compensation in 2023 was paid improperly. "We're asking them to at least go and search for five different places to get employment," Woods said, adding that the bill allows individuals to refuse jobs they consider unsuitable because of pay,…
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