House labor panel approves extended frontline workers’ compensation presumption

Many frontline workers would have their presumed COVID-19 workers’ compensation covered until May 2023 under a bill approved on a party-line vote by the House Labor, Industry, Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee on Monday.

The committee moved quickly, moving its meeting to Monday’s opening of the 2022 legislative session to extend the deadline for the workers’ compensation presumption of COVID-19 for eligible workers. The presumption, first set forth in a 2020 law, expired on Dec. 31, 2021. HF2656 would maintain the coverage for eligible workers until May 31, 2023.

The bill continues the presumption that eligible workers who test positive for COVID-19 contracted the virus during employment. Eligible workers include licensed peace officers, firefighters, paramedics, or emergency medical technicians; certain correctional, detention, or secure treatment facility workers; health care providers, nurses, or assistive employees working directly or indirectly with COVID-19 patients in health care, home care, or long-term care settings; and child care providers caring for children of first responders and health care workers under executive orders.

The bill includes retroactive coverage to the previous deadline of Dec. 31, 2021.

“I’m proud to say that it’s worked exactly as intended,” said Rep. Dan Wolgamott (DFL-St. Cloud), the bill’s sponsor. “Approximately 22,572 workers have received compensation under the presumption. We’ll see more as the claims continue to process. The cost has been right around $20 million, which may seem small compared to the initial projected costs anywhere up to $500 million. But these claims are making a big difference for the workers and their families.”

The committee approved the bill despite no accompanying agreement from the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council. It is scheduled to meet Feb. 1.

“I have had ongoing communication with the business rep and the labor rep, and I’m confident that an agreement will be reached, and we will be on time in making our recommendations to the Legislature,” said Roslyn Robertson, commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry.

Robertson asked the committee to hold off advancing the bill until the WCAC offers its recommendations. Rep. Joe McDonald (R-Delano) sought to table the bill.

“The commissioner says we shouldn’t do it, we shouldn’t pass this bill,” McDonald said. “It seems to be a futile movement to bring it a day before the advisory council is going to give the recommendation.”

Its companion, SF2633, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Howe (R-Rockville), awaits action by the Senate Labor and Industry Policy Committee.