(St. Paul, MN) – Today, the MN Legislature gathered to pass Senate File 4458, ensuring that front-line workers who contract COVID-19 while working will be eligible for worker’s compensation. They will not be required to prove that the sickness was contracted on the job. Minnesota labor and business groups were closely involved in the agreements needed to create the legislation.
“I’m proud to voice my support for our front-line safety workers during this time of crisis,” said Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch). “They need to know that while they put themselves at risk for Minnesota, Minnesota has their backs.”
Since changes to the state’s worker’s compensation insurance laws are controversial, the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) vets all changes. The WCAC is comprised of an equal number of members representing labor and business.
Under this legislation, insurers cannot rebut the presumption unless there is direct evidence that the disease was not contracted in the workplace. This provision adds a layer of security for people whose lives are at risk as they perform their duties to aid Minnesotans.
The legislation covers the following workers:
- Licensed peace officers
- Firefighters
- Paramedics
- Nurses
- Healthcare workers
- Corrections officers and security counselors employed by the state or a political subdivision at a corrections, detention, or secure treatment facility
- Emergency medical technicians
- Healthcare providers, nurses, and assistive employees in health care, home care, or long-term care settings
- Workers who are required to provide childcare to first responders and health care workers under the governor’s previous executive orders.
The bill passed unanimously. The provisions will expire on May 1, 2021.