Workers’ compensation: injury: COVID-19.
The bill impacts existing state laws on workers' compensation by creating specific provisions that address communicable diseases. Notably, it includes a rebuttable presumption for claims filed by first responders and healthcare employees who contract COVID-19, simplifying the claims process for these workers. Additionally, it mandates that employers provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their employees. This legislation ensures that essential workers are appropriately compensated for health risks incurred in their roles during state emergencies related to public health.
Assembly Bill 664, introduced by Assembly Members Cooper, Bonta, and Gonzalez, aims to amend California's Labor Code to clarify how workers' compensation will cover injuries related to communicable diseases, specifically COVID-19. The bill establishes that for certain categories of essential workers, including state and local firefighting personnel, peace officers, healthcare workers, and fire and rescue services coordinators, exposure to or infection by COVID-19 will be defined as a workplace injury. This injury is presumed compensable unless rebutted within a set timeframe, significantly altering the landscape of workers' compensation claims for frontline workers enduring the pandemic.
The sentiment surrounding AB 664 was largely supportive among those advocating for the safety and rights of essential workers. Proponents see the bill as a necessary step to protect healthcare and emergency personnel who faced extraordinary risks during the COVID-19 outbreak. However, there are concerns noted from various stakeholders about potential increases in insurance costs for employers and whether this could lead to challenges in managing workers' compensation claims. Nevertheless, the prevailing view is that the health and safety of workers must be prioritized during health crises.
Notable points of contention regarding AB 664 include debates about the financial implications for state and local governments responsible for workers' compensation insurance. Some legislators expressed concern about the balance between providing necessary protections for employees and avoiding excessive burdens on employers. The bill underwent several amendments throughout its progression in the legislative process, reflecting ongoing negotiations about the specifics of injury definitions, deadlines for rejecting claims, and compliance with safety standards, indicating diverse viewpoints and potential adjustments before final approval.