Lawmakers in Minnesota, Wyoming pass COVID bills

Lawmakers in two states over the weekend were divided in passing COVID-19-related bills that would affect workers compensation benefits. 

The Minnesota Senate on Sunday passed S.B. 4564, 45 to 22, which would create a coronavirus relief fund with stipulations that such funds would help state government organizations cover workers compensation costs related to COVID-19, among other needs generated by the pandemic.

In Wyoming on Saturday, both governing bodies passed S.B. 1002: the House, 38 to 20, and the Senate, 27 to 2. That bill creates a presumption for employees infected with COVID-19 on the job throughout 2020: “If any employee in an employment sector for which coverage is provided by this act is infected with the COVID-19 Coronavirus, it shall be presumed that the risk of contracting the illness or disease was increased by the nature of the employment.”

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.