St. Paul, Minn.-- 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 Heather Edelson (DFL-Edina) voted in support of the legislation and released the following statement:
“In an uncertain time like this one, heroes are easy to identify. Seeing first responders and health care workers put themselves on the front line of this pandemic every day is proof of how deeply Minnesotans care for each other. Now it’s time for us to demonstrate that we have their backs. My colleagues and I had the opportunity to put these values into action today by supporting legislation to ensure that these individuals are covered by workers’ compensation if they contract COVID-19.”
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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