This bill amends the Governmental Tort Claims Act by clarifying the definition of "employee" to include students enrolled at institutions of higher education within the State System of Higher Education. Specifically, it states that these students are considered employees when they are actively participating in institution-sponsored curricular or co-curricular activities or events that are directly supervised by faculty or staff, provided that such participation is an academic requirement for their course or program. This inclusion aims to extend certain protections under the Act to students engaged in these educational activities.

Additionally, the bill maintains existing definitions and provisions within the Governmental Tort Claims Act while introducing this new category of employees. The effective date for this amendment is set for November 1, 2026. The changes reflect a recognition of the role students play in educational settings and the need for legal protections similar to those afforded to traditional employees.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 51-152