Praise and criticism for Gov. Rick Scott on new unemployment compensation law

Scott signed into law a new bill that reduces the duration of state benefits from a maximum of 26 weeks to 23. Then federal benefits kick in.

The law gives employers more grounds to contest a claim and increases requirements for unemployed people.

They will have to complete a skills assessment when they apply for benefits. Plus, they'll be required to contact five potential employers each week to continue collecting payments.

Brewster Bevis of Associated Industries of Florida, a business lobbying group, says the changes are important to make sure only eligible people are collecting benefits.