A state senator plans to introduce legislation that would require welfare applicants to have applied for at least three jobs.
Republican Sen. Arthur Orr of Decatur says he plans to pre-file the bill in the Senate before the 2014 session begins in January. Orr says his bill is similar to legislation and rule changes in other states.
Orr says his legislation is intended to encourage those applying for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families to use the benefits only as a last resort. He says in states that have adopted similar rules or regulations there has been a decrease in the amount of public assistance benefits paid.
Democratic Rep. Alvin Holmes of Montgomery said he would oppose the bill, which he said is an effort to "make political points."