Virginia House passes COVID-19 presumption bill
Posted On: Sep. 8, 2020 10:39 AM CSTThe Virginia House of Representatives on Friday passed a bill that would provide death and disability benefits for certain employees who contract COVID-19 and their families.
H.B. 5028, which passed 61-37 and was sent to the state Senate, establishes a presumption that for firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, law-enforcement officers, first responders, health care providers and school board employees, COVID-19 is an occupational disease compensable under the state’s Workers’ Compensation Act.
The presumption would apply unless they are “overcome by a preponderance of competent evidence to the contrary,” the bill states.
The bill would be effective retroactive to Jan. 1.
More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.