New Mexico House passes COVID-19 presumption bill

The New Mexico House of Representatives passed a bill along party lines to make it easier for some workers to obtain workers compensation for COVID-19.

Democratic-sponsored H.B. 268, which passed Monday in a 38-27 vote, would create a rebuttable presumption that essential workers who contract COVID-19 did so in the course and scope of their employment.

Essential workers in the legislation are defined as public safety workers, school workers and any employee declared to be essential during a public health order and required to work at the physical location of their employment.

If passed by the Senate and signed into law, the measure would take effect immediately.

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