A bill proposing an on-the-job injury program for teachers and education workers in Alabama has cleared a Senate committee with unanimous support. Currently, education employees do not have worker’s compensation coverage for on-the-job injuries and must pay out-of-pocket for medical bills. The proposed legislation would create a Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Board and establish a dedicated fund for reimbursements. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan, is seen as a priority and has received praise from lawmakers and education groups. The bill, with an estimated cost of $14.9 million, is moving to the full Senate for consideration. Last year, a similar bill passed the Senate but failed to pass in the House. The Alabama Education Association has praised the progress of the new bill, as it would alleviate the burden on injured employees and streamline the reimbursement process. Lawmakers have already appropriated the necessary funds in the current year’s budget, but the money was not accessed due to the bill’s failure to pass last session. Sen. Givhan and other lawmakers are optimistic about the bill’s chances this time around, with many emphasizing the urgency and necessity of providing workers’ compensation coverage for education employees.
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