St. Paul, MN - 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. In particular, the legislation provides a presumption that if these workers contract COVID, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ comp.
The legislation goes into effect for employees who contract COVID-19? on or after the day following final enactment.
Representative Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove) voted in favor of the legislation and released the following statement:
“Our first responders, firefighters, nurses, and health care workers are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the daughter of a nurse, I understand firsthand the sacrifices these heroes make every day for our families, putting the health of their patients first. A pandemic brings out their true nature, their best nature, where each of them give their skills, their talents, and even more of themselves. They are there for us – we must be there for them.”
A copy of the legislation 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.
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