Enacts the "Joseph Fletcher act"; permits certain claims by essential employees for compensation based on death due to COVID-19 which were previously denied or not timely filed.
Summary
Bill A00695, known as the "Joseph Fletcher Act," amends the workers' compensation law to allow for the reopening of claims for death benefits related to COVID-19 for essential employees. Specifically, it permits claims that were previously denied due to being filed after the statutory deadline to be reconsidered if they are submitted within one year of the bill's effective date. This act aims to honor the memory of Joseph Fletcher and support essential workers who contracted COVID-19 in the line of duty.
Impact
The bill modifies existing workers' compensation laws by creating a new provision that allows essential workers' claims for death benefits due to COVID-19 to be reopened. This change impacts the enforcement of sections eighteen and twenty-eight of the workers' compensation law, which typically bar claims filed outside of specified time limits. By allowing these claims to be reconsidered, the bill seeks to provide financial support to families of essential workers who died as a result of COVID-19, thereby expanding the scope of benefits available under the law.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A00695 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for essential workers and their families. The bill is seen as a necessary step to address the challenges faced by those who lost loved ones during the pandemic while serving in essential roles. However, there may be concerns regarding the administrative burden of reopening claims and the implications for the workers' compensation system as a whole.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from stakeholders who are concerned about the potential increase in claims and the financial implications for the workers' compensation fund. Some may argue that reopening claims could lead to an influx of cases that the system is not prepared to handle, while others may emphasize the moral obligation to support families affected by COVID-19. The balance between providing necessary support and maintaining the integrity of the workers' compensation system is likely to be a key area of debate.
Same As
Enacts the "Joseph Fletcher act"; permits certain claims by essential employees for compensation based on death due to COVID-19 which were previously denied or not timely filed.
Enacts the "Joseph Fletcher act"; permits certain claims by essential employees for compensation based on death due to COVID-19 which were previously denied or not timely filed.
Enacts the "building recruitment and incentives for dedicated government employees (BRIDGE) act" which provides a service credit for members who were previously employed by the federal government.
Enacts the "building recruitment and incentives for dedicated government employees (BRIDGE) act" which provides a service credit for members who were previously employed by the federal government.
Enacts the COVID-19 essential workers appreciation act which requires businesses who have increased their profits due to the outbreak of COVID-19 to deposit five percent of gross profits into a fund to be used by the COVID-19 essential workers appreciation task force to make awards to essential employees and families of essential employees who have died as a result of contracting COVID-19.
Provides that any claimant who has received certain unemployment benefits to which they were not entitled shall not be held liable for the amounts overpaid provided certain conditions exist; directs the department of labor to provide claimants who have previously been denied waivers with applications for individual waivers; repeals certain provisions of law relating thereto.
Provides that any claimant who has received certain unemployment benefits to which they were not entitled shall not be held liable for the amounts overpaid provided certain conditions exist; directs the department of labor to provide claimants who have previously been denied waivers with applications for individual waivers; repeals certain provisions of law relating thereto.