After much deliberation, Minnesota labor and business groups and the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) reached an agreement to update workers’ compensation insurance presumptions for certain laborers who contract COVID-19. Workers on the front lines during this pandemic including health care personnel, police officers, paramedics, corrections officers, and others, will be eligible for expedited workers’ compensation benefits for health issues that may arise due to the coronavirus. The Senate and House passed the update today and the bill will proceed to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

“To those on the front lines fighting this pandemic – you will be taken care of and we have your back,” said Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing). “The appreciation of your service brought together Labor Unions, Republicans, Democrats, and many other stakeholders to pass this bill so you have the care and protections you need. We value your dedication to your communities, and you will have our continued support.”

Current law requires employees to prove that their illness was contracted while at work. The new legislation reduces the responsibility of the employee to prove they were infected as a result of their occupational duties. This expedites their eligibility for workers’ compensation. The responsibility will instead be on the employer to rebut the employee’s claim if they wish to deny liability. Individuals with confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 will be presumed to have the disease as a result of their occupation, thereby making them eligible for workers’ compensation benefits under state law. Most licensed peace officers, firefighters, paramedics, nurses, health care workers, correction officers, workers at secure state facilities, workers at long-term care facilities, and childcare providers are among the classes of workers included in the bill. This improves protections and provides extra safeguards for essential workers who are at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.