Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed a new law that aims to help first responders and frontline workers in the state.
The legislation, H.F. 1203, was authored by Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) and passed the legislature with wide, bipartisan support.
The new law will extend the coronavirus presumption for workers that have contracted COVID while on the job.
“Every day throughout this pandemic, frontline workers have protected us and have saved lives,” said Governor Walz. “This bipartisan bill — passed within days of the legislature gaveling in for the 2022 session — makes it clear that in Minnesota, we are grateful for our first responders, take care of our workers, and give them both the benefits they deserve.”
Specifically, the measure details that certain employees who test positive for COVID-19 are presumed to have an “occupational disease” and are therefore covered by the Minnesota workers’ compensation law.
The legislation applies to critical frontline workers in the state: doctors, nurses, firefighters, paramedics, police, long-term care workers, and many others. The provision extends through January 13, 2023
“This is an important bill for workers in our state, and it’s only fitting that this bill was the first of the year to be passed off the Senate floor,” said Senator Howe. “Many workers throughout our state have continued showing up to work, despite the unique challenges presented by COVID. Naturally, this has led to workers contracting the virus while on the job. Not only do workers support this bill, but it also has gained wide support throughout stakeholders — the Workers’ Compensation Council, insurance providers, and stakeholders in the business and labor industries are all in agreeance on this matter. Extending the sunset date is the right thing to do so our workers and businesses can be adequately protected.”
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “First Responders” by ArtisticOperations.
