Michigan House passes COVID-19 bills
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Michigan lawmakers passed several bills Wednesday related to the reopening of businesses and schools that would protect employees who stay away from work due to COVID-19 symptoms or exposure and limit the liability of businesses if their employees or customers are exposed to COVID-19 so long as they were taking all recommended precautions at the time of the exposure.
The bills passed the House on Wednesday and were sent to the Senate for consideration. If signed into law, they would apply retroactively to COVID-19 exposures as of Jan. 1, 2020.
H.B. 6030, which passed with a 57-49 vote, would establish minimum requirements for workers compensation claims alleging exposure to COVID-19 and provide liability protection for businesses if their conduct complies with regulations, orders or public health guidance.
H.B. 6031, which passed 59-47, would remove an employer’s liability for its workers’ exposure to COVID-19 if it was operating in compliance with federal or state statutes or regulations, executive orders or public health guidance applicable at the time of the exposure. However, the legislation would not apply if an employer willfully exposed a worker to COVID-19 and does not affect a worker’s ability to file a workers compensation claim.
H.B. 6032, which passed 83-23, would prohibit employers from taking certain actions against workers who fail to report to work due to COVID-19 exposure.
H.B. 6101, which passed 61-45, would protect employers from having to pay damages for COVID-19 exposure if all recommended precautions were being taken at the time of exposure.
More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.
