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March 16, 2020

States Makes Changes To Help Businesses Meet COVID-19 Challenge

Like the federal government, state legislatures are working to provide aid and certainty to employers and employees in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak. The National Council of State Legislatures is trying to track all of these efforts here.

While this list is not exhaustive, several states are considering:

  • Workers’ Compensation Changes. In Washington state, Gov. Jay Inslee announced changes to worker compensation rules that will provide compensation coverage for health care workers and first responders quarantined as a result of exposure to the coronavirus. For now, the state will provide benefits such as medical testing, treatment expenses, and time-loss payments to individuals in these sectors who cannot work.
  • Paid Sick Leave. Prior to COVID-19, 12 states and Washington D.C. have enacted laws to require paid sick leave. It is likely that more states will consider this issue in the coming weeks.
  • Supplemental Appropriations. At least four states, Alabama, Massachusetts, Minnesota and New York, have enacted supplemental appropriations and two states, Alabama and Maryland, have authorized a transfer from the state’s revenue stabilization account. Hawaii and Washington have introduced legislation that would provide additional funds to combat the disease. Hawaii has also established a select House committee on COVID-19 economic and financial preparedness.

The National Association of Governors also is tracking COVID-19-related initiatives in each state. Click here to review that information.

Stay tuned to Connecting the Dots for updates on states’ responses to COVID-19.

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