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 provisions include a requirement for employees to notify their employer of any injury within ten working days, the creation of uniform injury reporting forms by the State Superintendent of Education, and the maintenance of employees' salaries and benefits for up to 90 working days post-injury. The bill also mandates that employers inform injured employees of their rights within seven calendar days, with penalties for non-compliance.

Additionally, the bill makes significant amendments to existing workers' compensation laws, including the establishment of a hearing officer selection process and a streamlined dispute resolution mechanism. It specifies that the hearing and appeals process will adhere to the guidelines set in Section 16-24C-6, with no deference given to either party and the application of the Alabama Rules of Evidence. The statute of limitations for disputes is set at two years, and the bill outlines a higher standard of proof for certain claims. Furthermore, it limits the discovery process and allows for a discretionary legal fee award of up to 15 percent in contested cases. The act is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2024.

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