SB278 Engrossed is a bill that amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish the Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Program, Trust Fund, and Board, which provides compensation for full-time public education employees injured on the job. The bill expands the definition of "employer" to exclude certain higher education institutions for specific purposes and amends the definition of "on-the-job injury." It requires employees to notify their supervisor of an injury within five working days and mandates the State Superintendent of Education to adopt and distribute uniform injury reporting forms. The bill also allows injured employees to receive their salary and benefits for up to 90 working days and addresses the accumulation and transfer of sick leave days.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the composition and operation of the Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Board, including the appointment and terms of board members, and their powers and responsibilities. It defines the benefits provided under the program, aligning them with the Alabama Workers' Compensation Act, and establishes procedures for disability status, claims, and employer reimbursements. The bill also details the process for resolving disputes, including the selection of hearing officers, the application of the Alabama Rules of Evidence, and the statute of limitations for disputes. It allows for legal fees up to 15 percent of the awarded compensation in contested cases and is set to become effective on October 1, 2024. The bill passed with 28 yeas, 0 nays, and 1 abstention.

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