SAINT PAUL – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation delivering workers’ compensation benefits to health care and public safety workers who contract COVID-19 in the line of duty. The bill establishes a presumption that if these workers contract COVID-19, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ comp.
“With public safety, health care, and other workers at an increased risk of COVID-19 exposure, this legislation was urgently needed to ensure they can access the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester). “Front line workers are looking out for everyone’s health and safety. Today’s legislation gives them extra financial protection as they work to protect other Minnesotans.”
The legislation is the result of an agreement reached by legislative leaders in the Minnesota House and Senate and Governor Walz. Occupations covered in the bill include firefighters, peace officers, paramedics, EMTs, health care workers, correctional officers, and childcare providers who are caring for children of first responders and health care workers under the Governor’s executive orders.
Using unprecedented procedure, most legislators voted remotely in order to comply with recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health.
A copy of the bill can be found here, and a video recording of the House floor session can be found on the House Public Information YouTube page. The legislation is expected to be passed by the Minnesota Senate and signed by Governor Walz.