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, newly certified fire-protection personnel must complete one hour of this training within six months of certification, and all fire-protection personnel and certified volunteer firefighters are required to complete the training every other year. Similarly, emergency medical services personnel must complete one hour of training annually. The training will be provided by a nonprofit entity that specializes in this area, and it must be offered without compensation.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the training requirements do not apply to employees of the Alabama State Forestry Commission and clarifies that the act does not alter any existing legal immunities for fire-protection or emergency medical services personnel. The Alabama Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission and the Alabama Department of Public Health are responsible for ensuring that the training is regularly updated to reflect current trends and changes related to sensory needs and invisible disabilities. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

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