The bill SB278 Engrossed amends Section 16-1-18.1 of the Code of Alabama 1975 and introduces Chapter 1A to Title 16, establishing the Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Program, the Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Trust Fund, and the Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Board. It aims to provide compensation to full-time public education employees, including adult bus drivers, who sustain injuries while performing their job duties. Key changes include the clarification of definitions related to "employee" and "on-the-job injury," as well as the introduction of new requirements for injury reporting within five working days. The bill also removes outdated provisions regarding sick leave and injury notification, ensuring that sick leave will not be deducted for absences due to on-the-job injuries and outlining a reimbursement process for employers hiring substitutes.

Additionally, the bill establishes a governance structure for the compensation program, with a board appointed by the State Superintendent of Education and other stakeholders. It ensures that benefits provided to injured employees are no less than those under the Alabama Workers' Compensation Act, including compensation payments and medical benefits. The bill also introduces a fair dispute resolution process for injury claims, modifies existing workers' compensation laws, and sets a statute of limitations of two years for disputes. Overall, SB278 aims to enhance the support and protection for public education employees injured on the job, with the act set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-1-18
Engrossed: 16-1-18