Special to the Enquirer 

Gov. Kay Ivey has signed three notable bills into law aimed at improving Alabama communities. 

One is Senate Bill 224, which requires individuals to contact prospective employers at least three times per week for each week of unemployment to be eligible to receive unemployment compensation benefits. This bill was sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr.  

“Alabama is leading the nation in our economic recovery, and in fact, we have the lowest unemployment rate in the Southeast at 3 percent,” said Ivey. “We want to do everything possible to continue supporting our businesses. I signed Senate Bill 224 to ensure we are helping those that truly need unemployment assistance while also making sure we hold everyone accountable in their efforts to seek work when there are numerous job openings available.” 

Ivey also signed Senate Bill 272, sponsored by Sen. Dan Roberts, to allow the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Medical Licensure Commission to draft rules for the use of technology used to deliver telemedicine care. 

“SB 272 will further our efforts to give Alabamians more options as they seek quality medical care across the state,” Ivey said. “Being from rural Alabama, I know this legislation can have a major impact in rural citizens getting the care they need instead of putting it off.” 

House Bill 385, sponsored by Rep. Kyle South, exempts homeless youth from fees associated with obtaining drivers licenses.