St. Paul, MN - Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 1203, which would extend the law providing a presumption that if public safety or health care workers contract COVID-19, they did so during the course of their employment and are covered by workers’ compensation. The legislation passed on a bipartisan vote of 124-8.
“First responders and health care workers have put themselves on the front lines of this pandemic from the very beginning. We’re still grappling with COVID-19, and we need to continue to have the backs of the Minnesotans who have ours,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “I’m pleased we are moving quickly to provide them with the certainty and security they need as they go to work every day.”
The previous law allowing for this presumption sunsetted on December 31, 2021, leaving 183,000 frontline workers and their families without the guarantee of compensation in the event they contract COVID-19. The new bill would extend the presumption to January 13, 2023. Since the original law was passed, 22,573 workers have received compensation under the presumption, totaling just under $20 million. During the lapsed time, over 2,000 frontline workers have contracted COVID-19.
“Minnesota’s workers are the ones who have made it possible for all of us to live our lives during a highly unpredictable global pandemic,” said Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “Police officers, nurses, firefighters, paramedics, and so many others don’t have the option to work from home, and have put themselves in harm’s way with zero hesitation. Today’s bipartisan vote to extend the worker’s compensation presumption for first responders and others shows that when we put politics aside, we can move fast and get results for Minnesotans.”
Those workers impacted by this legislation include firefighters; peace and police officers; paramedics; EMTs; health care providers, nurses or assistive employees in a health care, home care or long-term care setting who work with COVID-19 patients; correctional officers or security counselors at correctional facilities; and child care providers who are required to provide child care for the children of first responders and health care workers under the Governor’s Executive Orders.
“Passing this legislation is a huge victory for Minnesota's 183,000 public safety, healthcare, and childcare workers,” said Rep. Wolgamott (DFL - St. Cloud), the author of the bill. “By extending the workers compensation presumption for frontline workers who contract COVID-19, we are having the backs of the Minnesotans who are keeping us safe, taking care of us when we are sick, and caring for our children.”
HF 1203 was the first piece of legislation passed off the House floor during the 2022 legislative session. Video of today’s floor debate can be found here.