The bill 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 who sustain injuries while on the job, with key amendments including the inclusion of adult bus drivers in the definition of "employee" and the clarification that "on-the-job injury" excludes mental disorders not caused by physical injuries. The bill also modifies sick leave provisions, allowing unlimited accumulation and transfer of sick leave days, and requires employees to notify their employer of injuries within five working days. It ensures salary and benefits continuation for up to 90 working days for injured employees and establishes a reimbursement mechanism for employers hiring substitutes.

Additionally, the bill introduces the "Maryann Leonard Educators' On-The-Job Injury Act," which creates a framework for compensation and medical benefits for injured employees. It establishes a five-member Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Board to oversee claims and reimbursements, and it specifies that the program will not be subject to the Alabama Workers' Compensation Act, except for certain compensation provisions. The bill mandates timely payment for undisputed medical claims and allows for subrogation rights for recovery of costs from third parties. It also outlines a process for handling disputes between employees and employers regarding injury claims, with a review board and hearing officer options. The program is set to begin accepting claims by October 1, 2026, and includes a severability clause to ensure enforceability of remaining provisions if any part is invalidated.

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