ATLANTA - A Republican state lawmaker has prefiled legislation that would require recipients of unemployment benefits to perform community service.

The bill is sponsored by state Sen. John Albers of Roswell.

It would require residents receiving benefits to volunteer at least 24 hours per week, either paid or unpaid, for a nonprofit charitable organization. The state labor commissioner would be able to waive or alter the requirement in some cases, under the measure.

Albers said the proposed law is an excellent opportunity for Georgians to give back to their communities, acquire new skills, network, obtain references, and gain invaluable experience while looking for employment.

Georgia's unemployment rate has topped the national average.

Lawmakers can act on the bill during the 2012 legislative session.