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, including adult bus drivers in the definition of "employee." The bill clarifies that "on-the-job injury" excludes mental disorders not caused by physical injuries and modifies sick leave provisions to allow unlimited accumulation and transfer of sick leave days. Employees must notify their employer of injuries within five working days, and they will continue to receive salary and benefits for up to 90 working days, with potential extensions through employer policies.

Significant amendments include the deletion of previous provisions that allowed sick leave deductions for on-the-job injuries and the introduction of the "Maryann Leonard Educators' On-The-Job Injury Act," which outlines rights and procedures for injured employees. The bill establishes a five-member Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Board responsible for administering the program and managing the fund for employee benefits. It specifies that the program will not be subject to the Alabama Workers' Compensation Act, except for certain compensation provisions, and outlines a clear process for handling injury claims, including the ability for employees to challenge employer decisions. The act is designed to take effect immediately upon passage and includes a severability clause to maintain enforceability of remaining provisions if any part is invalidated.

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