(a) A public school student who is in a work-based learning opportunity that is provided in coordination with a public school district or open-enrollment public charter school shall be covered by the workers’ compensation insurance of his or her employer as provided in the Workers' Compensation Law, § 11-9-101 et seq.
(b) For purposes of §§ 6-17-1401 and 11-9-102, a public school district and open-enrollment public charter school shall be considered an employer, as applicable, and a student an employee, when the student is providing services under a work-based learning opportunity provided in coordination with the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school.
(c) Subject to legislative appropriation, the Department of Education may reimburse employers, including without limitation public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools, for the proportionate cost of workers’ compensation premiums for students in work-based learning opportunities in accordance with department rules.