HB1 Summary

• Amends Section 25-5-50 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to regulate workers' compensation insurance for volunteer fire departments and rescue squads.

• Requires the Commissioner of Insurance to set the maximum annual payroll at $300 per fire fighter or rescue squad member for purposes of calculating workers' compensation rates.

• Provides voluntary workers' compensation coverage for state-certified volunteer fire departments and legally organized rescue squads that meet Alabama Association of Rescue Squads standards.

• Establishes that injured volunteer fire fighters or rescue squad members shall have wages computed as 66 2/3 percent of their regular employment earnings or 66 2/3 percent of minimum wage, whichever is greater.

• Specifies that regular employers of volunteer fire fighters or rescue squad members are not liable for compensable injuries under this section, and permits but does not require departments to purchase medical or disability insurance.