Iowa, Texas introduce COVID-19 presumption bills

Lawmakers in Iowa and Texas on Tuesday introduced legislation that would provide workers compensation benefits to workers who contract COVID-19 presumably in the course and scope of their employment.

Iowa lawmakers are considering S.B. 138, which “provides that a rebuttable presumption exists that an employee’s COVID-19 infection is a personal injury … for purposes of workers compensation” and includes the stipulation that a worker would be entitled to a minimum of two weeks of indemnity benefits. That bill was sent to a senate committee.

In Texas, lawmakers are proposing S.B. 439, which would make COVID-19 an occupational illness for nurses who treat COVID-19 patients and contract the disease within 14 days of a patient’s discharge. 

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