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. In particular, the bill provides a presumption that if these workers contract COVID-19, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ comp.
“Police officers, firefighters, and health care workers across Minnesota put themselves on the front line every single day and today, we made it clear we are going stand up and be there for them,” said Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing). “There is a bipartisan commitment to doing the right thing during this unprecedented time in history, and I’m proud we passed this bill to protect workers’ compensation benefits for those putting themselves at risk during this crisis.”
The legislation is the result of an agreement reached by legislative leaders in both the Minnesota House and Senate, as well as Governor Walz. Occupations covered by the presumption in the bill include firefighters, peace officers, paramedics, EMTs, health care workers, correctional officers, and child care providers who are caring for children of first responders and health care workers under the Governor’s executive orders.
In compliance with recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health, the majority of legislators voted remotely on the legislation.
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.