HB377 Alabama 2023 Session

Updated Feb 22, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Kyle South
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2023
Title: To allow for the payment of uncontested claims on an expedited basis for the Board of Adjustment.
Summary: HB377 would let the Board of Adjustment pay uncontested claims quickly and set rules for certain school-related injury claims, while clearly limiting the Board’s authority to enumerated matters.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 41-9-62 to specify which claims the Board may hear, including damages from state actions, injuries to convicts, injuries or deaths of public school students, and certain financial claims involving the state. The Board may approve uncontested claims quickly without a full hearing, using forms and rules the bill creates, and it can withhold payments pending final settlement if a third-party liability exists, with any recovered damages offsetting the payout; minor students have the same rights to settle and receive compensation as adults, though a guardian can be appointed if needed. For school-related injuries of students in transportation or school activities, awards would equal the maximum Title 25 benefits for injuries, and parental awards in death cases are capped and payable only if the parent was actually supporting the student at the time; these awards are funded from the minimum program fund and not charged to local school funds.

Who It Affects
Public school students and their parents or guardians, who could receive expedited awards for injuries or deaths resulting from school transportation or activities.
State and local government claimants and related parties (state agencies and their employees; school boards, colleges, and universities; convicts; and other listed claimants) who may file, receive, or be affected by expedited payments and offset provisions.

Key Provisions
Expedited approval: The Board of Adjustment may approve uncontested claims without a full hearing, using forms and rules adopted under the bill.
Enumerated claims: The Board’s jurisdiction covers nine categories of claims, including certain state-related damages, school-related injuries to students, and specific financial disputes with the state.
School-related awards: Awards for student injuries or deaths related to school transportation or activities are set to the maximum Title 25 Chapter 5 benefits; death awards to parents are limited to those who were actually supporting the student at the time, with funding from the minimum program fund and protections against charging school funds.
Financial mechanics: Awards are treated as a priority claim against the minimum program fund; amounts recovered from third parties may be offset against payments due; any remaining balance must be promptly paid.
Minor students: Minors have the same rights to contract, settle, and receive compensation as adults, subject to possible appointment of a guardian by the Board.
Limitations: The Board may not adjudicate forfeitures, certain contracts where another state arbiter exists, or disputes arising under Department of Transportation contracts; municipal/county employees are not considered state employees for purposes of this act.
Effective date: The act becomes effective immediately upon its passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Board of Adjustment, uncontested claims