The Alabama Education Association (AEA) applauded Gov. Kay Ivey for signing into law legislation granting Alabama's school workers access to compensation for on-the-job injuries.
Senate Bill 1 (SB1) by State Sen. Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville) unanimously cleared the Alabama legislature earlier this month and was signed into law by Ivey on Thursday.
Under current law, public education employees injured on the job must pay out-of-pocket expenses and seek reimbursement from the Board of Adjustment. The new law gives public education employees the same compensation benefits as other state employees. The bill would also create the Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Program, the Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Trust Fund, and the Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Board to distribute benefits.
The compensation would apply only to teachers, community college employees and bus drivers. The bill goes into effect immediately following Ivey's signature.
SB1's fiscal note lists an estimated minimum of $15.6 million for startup and other first-year costs.
The AEA, which has supported the bill from the beginning, praised Ivey and the legislature for passing the law, calling it a "historic victory."
"Education professionals across Alabama deserve the comfort and dignity of knowing their future and livelihood will not be at risk if they are injured while supporting our children," said AEA executive director Amy Marlowe. "This is a momentous day for educators and for this state. We are deeply grateful to Sen. Sam Givhan for championing this much-needed legislation, and we applaud the members of both parties in the House and Senate who stood together in support of Alabama's educators."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
