Unemployment benefits ban fails
A proposed ban on whether some employees such as school bus drivers would qualify for unemployment benefits failed Thursday on the last day of the 2013 legislative session.
Instead, House Bill 361 was changed back to its original intent: Allow workers to opt out at any time from automatic payroll deductions for union dues — although it exempts certain groups, including MARTA workers, teachers, law enforcement officers and firefighters.
Current law says workers must have only an annual option to opt out. HB 361 now heads to Gov. Nathan Deal for his signature.
The ban on jobless benefits in the bill would have affected seasonally unemployed bus drivers and other private sector workers whose employers contract with public sector entities such as school systems. Supporters said it is expected to save the state up to $10 million annually.
