SB9 Alabama 2012 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2012

Title

Transportation Infrastructure Bank, established, members, powers, duties, terms, sources for capitalization, liability of bank, procedures for issuance of loansand financial assistance for qualified projects, annual report to Governor and Legislature, audit, Transportation Infrastructure Bank Act

Summary

SB9 would cap the payroll used to calculate workers' compensation rates for volunteer firefighters and rescue squads at $300 per year per member and modify voluntary coverage rules for these groups.

What This Bill Does

It requires the Commissioner of Insurance to regulate the maximum annual payroll per fire fighter or rescue squad member used to set workers' compensation rates, with the cap set at $300 per member per year. It establishes voluntary coverage for state certified volunteer departments and legally organized rescue squads, including the right to purchase workers' compensation insurance, while clarifying that the regular employer is not liable for compensable injuries. It outlines exemption and election options for small employers and corporate officers, including how to elect or withdraw from coverage, and sets wage calculation rules for average weekly wage.

Who It Affects

• Volunteer fire departments and rescue squads and combination departments, affecting their workers' compensation costs and coverage options
• Corporate officers of volunteer-related organizations who may elect to be exempt from or covered by workers' compensation, affecting their personal coverage and employer obligations

Key Provisions

• Maximum annual payroll per fire fighter or rescue squad member for workers' comp rate calculations is set by the Commissioner of Insurance at $300 per year
• Voluntary coverage rules for state certified volunteer departments and rescue squads; they may purchase workers' compensation insurance and are not automatically liable; coverage can be elected or withdrawn by employers/households
• Exemption and election provisions allow certain small employers and corporate officers to opt out of or into coverage, with rules for timing and notices
• Wage calculation for compensable injuries sets average weekly wage at 66 2/3 percent of regular earnings or minimum wage, whichever is greater
• School boards are not required to provide coverage until funds are appropriated, but voluntary coverage is allowed with local or other available funds

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Transportation Department