Bill > S1155

This bill aims to provide enhanced workers' benefits and protections related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key provisions include: 1. Establishing a rebuttable presumption that COVID-19 illnesses or quarantines are work-related for employees who work outside their homes, allowing them to receive workers' compensation benefits without using their own accrued leave time. 2. Prohibiting employers from refusing to reinstate employees who had to take leave due to COVID-19, considering such refusal to be disability discrimination. 3. Exempting COVID-19-related workers' compensation claims from certain restrictions, unless the employer can demonstrate compliance with all relevant safety orders and guidance. 4. Allowing employees to be eligible for unemployment benefits if they choose not to return to work due to genuine COVID-19 exposure concerns, and protecting those who refuse re-employment offers during the benefit period for the same reason. 5. Excluding COVID-19-related workers' compensation costs from employers' experience rating calculations, unless the employer is found to have failed to follow relevant safety guidance and regulations.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S1155