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 definition of "employee" to include adult bus drivers and the clarification that "on-the-job injury" excludes mental disorders not caused by physical injuries. The bill also sets a process for notifying employers of injuries within five working days and modifies sick leave provisions to allow for unlimited accumulation and transfer among employers, while establishing a maximum limit for retirement credit.

Additionally, the bill introduces the "Maryann Leonard Educators' On-The-Job Injury Act," which outlines the framework for reporting injuries and filing for compensation. It deletes references to "employee's sick leave" and "additional expenses," while inserting provisions for the reimbursement of unreimbursed medical expenses for employees not covered under previous chapters. The bill establishes a review board for dispute resolution and specifies that the program will not be subject to the Alabama Workers' Compensation Act, except for certain provisions. It mandates timely payment of undisputed medical claims and allows for subrogation rights for the Trust Fund. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance support and compensation for public education employees injured while performing their duties, with a designated implementation date no later than October 1, 2026.

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