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
The bill, known as the "Joseph Fletcher Act," amends the workers' compensation law to allow essential employees who died due to COVID-19 to file claims for death benefits that were previously denied or not timely filed. Specifically, it enables claims to be reopened if they were barred by certain sections of the law, provided they are filed within one year of the bill's effective date. The act is named in memory of Joseph Fletcher and aims to support the families of essential workers who succumbed to the virus while serving during the pandemic.
Impact
This legislation will have a significant impact on the workers' compensation framework in New York by allowing families of essential workers who died from COVID-19 to access benefits that were previously unavailable due to strict filing deadlines. It modifies existing provisions regarding the reopening of claims and ensures that claims denied under specific sections of the law can be reconsidered, thus potentially providing financial support to affected families.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be largely supportive, as indicated by the voting history where the Senate Labor Committee voted in favor with a significant majority. The discussions leading to the votes suggest a recognition of the sacrifices made by essential workers during the pandemic, reflecting a commitment to providing them and their families with necessary support.
Contention
While the general sentiment is supportive, there may be contention regarding the implications of reopening previously denied claims and the potential financial burden on the workers' compensation system. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the fairness of allowing claims that were not filed in a timely manner, while others advocate for the necessity of supporting families of essential workers who faced unprecedented risks during the pandemic.
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.