SAINT PAUL, MN –Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation on Tuesday that will deliver workers’ compensation benefits to health care and public safety workers who contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty. The legislation provides a presumption that if these workers contract COVID, they did so during their employment and are covered by workers’ compensation.
Rep. Alice Hausman released the following statement:
“My legislative colleagues and I overwhelmingly approved legislation yesterday to support our first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul). “Governor Walz signed this bill into law, which ensures some degree of economic security for the families of first responders, should they contract the virus. We thank these brave men and women for coming to our aid in very difficult circumstances.”
An agreement on the legislation was reached by legislative leaders in both the Minnesota House and Senate, as well as Governor Walz. The Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council provided preliminary approval of the measure on Monday. Gov. Walz has signed the bill into law.
Occupations covered by the presumption in the bill include firefighters, peace officers, paramedics, EMTs, health care workers, correctional officers, and childcare 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, most 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 or in the House Video archives here.
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