Ivey signs three bills on unemployment, telemedicine, driver's license policies

Gov. Kay Ivey has signed three bills related to Alabama's unemployment policy, telemedicine and driver's license for homeless youths. 

The unemployment policy, signed as Senate Bill 224, now requires those signing up for unemployment compensation to reach out to at least three prospective employers each week. 

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr. 

Senate Bill 272 allows the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Medical Licensure Commission to establish rules to deliver telemedicine care. 

“Over the last few years, the need to expand telehealth and telemedicine in our state has grown tremendously; therefore, I am proud to sign Senate Bill 272, the first piece of legislation to regulate digital access to health care for Alabamians,” said Ivey in her announcement.

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“SB 272 will further our efforts to give Alabamians more options as they seek quality medical care across the state. 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.”

This bill was sponsored by Sen. Dan Roberts. 

The third bill, House Bill 385, was sponsored by Sen. Kyle South and exempts homeless youths from fees when trying for driver's licenses. 

“I have signed House Bill 385 to remove a barrier to give our homeless youth the opportunity to obtain needed identification for employment purposes,” said Ivey.

“We want to make it easier for these youth to be able to make an income when they are at their lowest and working to get out of tough situations.”