Tennessee COVID-19 presumption bill fails

A bill that would have made COVID-19 an occupational illness failed in Tennessee’s Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on Tuesday.

S.B. 8007, introduced Monday, would have applied to essential workers under certain conditions, giving them the presumption that they contracted the virus at work.

The legislation would have applied to those working in a number of industries including health care, childcare, and grocery and medical retail, among others.

A similar bill, H.B. 8008, was introduced in the state House of Representatives on Monday. As of Wednesday morning, there have been no updates on its status.

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