House Passes COVID-19 Workers' Comp Bill

The Arkansas House of Representatives has passed a bill that would allow workers to file comp claims for COVID-19 if they can prove they contracted the virus while at work. Representatives on Monday passed House Bill 1488, by Rep. Justin Gonzales, R-Okolona, by a 74-9 vote. Six representatives abstained and 11 voted present. HB 1488 has been referred to the Senate’s Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee. If passed, the bill would be retroactive to March 11, 2020, and would remain in effect for claims filed until May 1, 2023. The bill also includes an emergency declaration that&...