HB359 Summary

• Amends Section 25-5-50 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to exclude the employer and any person owning 50 percent or more of a business from the employee count when determining workers' compensation insurance requirements.

• Maintains the existing exemption for employers with fewer than five employees, but clarifies that owners are not counted toward this threshold.

• Allows employers with fewer than five employees to voluntarily accept coverage by filing written notice with the Department of Labor, with the option to withdraw acceptance at any time.

• Requires employers electing not to accept coverage to notify employees in writing and post a conspicuous notice that workers' compensation insurance is not available.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.