The Abram Colin Act mandates that fire-protection personnel, certified volunteer firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel in Alabama undergo training to effectively interact with individuals who have sensory needs or invisible disabilities. Starting January 1, 2025, the Alabama Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission will require newly certified fire-protection personnel to complete one hour of this training within six months of certification, and all fire-protection personnel and certified volunteer firefighters must complete the training every two years. Similarly, the Alabama Department of Public Health will require emergency medical services personnel to complete one hour of training annually. Both agencies are required to collaborate with a nonprofit entity to provide this training without compensation.

The bill specifies that the training must be updated annually to reflect current trends and changes related to sensory needs and invisible disabilities. Notably, the training requirements do not apply to employees of the Alabama State Forestry Commission, and the act does not alter any existing legal immunities for fire-protection or emergency medical services personnel. The act will take effect on January 1, 2025, and includes provisions that ensure the training is provided at no cost to the agencies involved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 36-32-1
Engrossed: 36-32-1
Enrolled: 36-32-1