HB1 Summary

• Amends Section 25-5-50 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to establish voluntary workers' compensation coverage for certified volunteer fire departments and legally organized rescue squads meeting Alabama Association of Rescue Squads standards.

• Directs the Commissioner of Insurance to set the maximum annual payroll per fire fighter or rescue squad member at $300 per year for workers' compensation insurance rate purposes only, not for benefit calculation purposes.

• Sets wages for computing average weekly wage for injured volunteer fire fighters or rescue squad members at 66 2/3 percent of regular employment earnings or 66 2/3 percent of minimum wage, whichever is greater.

• Exempts the regular employer of a volunteer fire fighter or rescue squad member from liability for compensable injuries sustained during volunteer service.

• Grants volunteer fire departments and rescue squads the right to purchase workers' compensation medical or disability insurance but does not require them to do so.