Alabama Code Title 27. Insurance § 27-32-28

(a) Compensation actually owing to employees other than officers of an insurer, for services rendered within three months prior to the commencement of a proceeding against the insurer under this chapter, but not exceeding $500.00 for each employee, shall be paid prior to the payment of any other debt or claim and, in the discretion of the commissioner, may be paid as soon as practicable after the proceeding has been commenced;  except, that at all times, the commissioner shall reserve such funds as will in his opinion be sufficient for the expenses of administration.

(b) Such priority shall be in lieu of any other similar priority which may be authorized by law as to wages or compensation of such employees.