Senator Westrom, Senate Republicans Pass First Responders Worker’s Compensation Legislation

(St. Paul, MN) – Tuesday the 7th,  the MN Legislature gathered to pass Senate File 4458, ensuring that front-line emergency first responders, health care workers, and others who contract COVID-19 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.

“Our front-line workers need the reassurance this bill offers,” said Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake). “These individuals make an unbelievable sacrifice every time they step out their door to go to work, and we are grateful for everything they do for our state.  This small but significant change to worker’s compensation will make a positive impact. Frontline workers need to know that we’re here to help them, if such an undesirable situation as contracting COVID-19 should arise.”

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 a health care, home care, or long-term care setting
  • 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.