House passes workers’ comp changes for health care workers, first responders with COVID-19
By Rob Hubbard
While praise has been widely accorded those on the front lines of the struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic — particularly health care workers and first responders — there’s been a nagging question among their ranks: What happens if one of them contracts the virus? Would they receive workers’ compensation for time missed during their illness?
The House sought to ease their minds on Tuesday by overwhelmingly passing HF4537.
Sponsored by Rep. Dan Wolgamott (DFL-St. Cloud), it specifically addresses workers’ compensation claims for employees who contract COVID-19 during their duties as health care workers — including home health care workers — paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers and firefighters.
The changes would also pertain to corrections facility officers and counselors, as well as child care workers providing care for the children of health care workers and first responders.
Recent Dailies
Want a plastic straw? Under House bill, you'll have to ask
By Deena Winter
A bill approved by a House committee Wednesday would not allow a food and beverage establishment to give customers plastic straws, unless the customer requests one.
Short-term sentenced offenders could remain in county jail, not go to prison
By Deena Winter
Legislation that would allow some prisoners to remain in county jails rather than be transferred to state prisons when they have less than 90 days to serve would help with overcrowding and understaffing, supporters say.
Requiring prorated rents could ensure college students get what they pay for
By Victoria Cooney
Toward the end of their leases, college students are often required to both pay for an entire month of rent and leave weeks before that month ends.
Allowing raw cannabis could help state's budding medical program cut cost, increase access
By Victoria Cooney
HF3485 would modify the state’s medical cannabis program to let patients use raw cannabis.
Proposal would explicitly prohibit schools from using seclusion as a disciplinary practice
By Rachel Kats
The bill would expressly prohibit public school teachers and administrators from secluding a student.
Bill aims to speed support to homeless veterans
By Tim Walker
HF4224 would authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a stable housing initiative to support veterans experiencing homelessness.
Lawmakers consider toughest robocall regulations in the nation
By Deena Winter
HF3099 would ban spoofing technology that makes it look like a local number on caller ID.
It would also require telecommunications companies to use the latest technology to block such calls, and give the state attorney general and consumers tools to avoid them.
Lawmaker wants more DWI offenders to use ignition interlock
By Tim Walker
HF3555 would make more people eligible to join the Ignition Interlock Device Program after a DWI offense.
Air polluters would get more scrutiny under bill
By Deena Winter HF3058 would require the Pollution Control Agency to analyze the cumulative level of past and current environmental pollution from all sources on the geographic area in which the permitted facility’s emissions are likely to be deposited.Following cities’ lead, Minnesota counties could set own speed limits
By Jonathan Avise
Since the state of Minnesota took control of setting speeds on the state’s hundreds of county highways more than 80 years ago, much has changed.
Namely, Rep. Jamie Becker-Fi...
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House, Senate pass $200 million for health care providers in fight against COVID-19
By Victoria Cooney
In the early hours of Tuesday, the House passed a bill to provide $200 million for health care providers in need of support to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Walz unveils lean supplemental budget proposal in face of virus uncertainty
By Mike Cook
When releasing his supplemental budget proposal Thursday morning, Gov. Tim Walz made sure to focus on the knowns and unknowns of the COVID-19 pandemic while tempering expectations for much else with the state’s projected surplus.
Governor proposes $2 billion bonding package for 2020
By Jonathan Mohr
Governor pitches $2 billion plan to invest in infrastructure, public safety, higher ed, housing and other areas of need across the state.
