Committee Approves COVID Presumption Bill That Would Cover Teachers

A COVID-19 presumption bill took a big step forward this week when it was approved by the Virginia House Labor and Commerce Committee. Like presumption measures adopted in several states, HB 5028 is designed to make it easier for first responders and health care workers to obtain workers' compensation benefits if they are stricken by the coronavirus. But unlike most other states' provisions, the bill, introduced by Rep. Jerrauld “Jay” Jones, D-Norfolk, includes teachers and other school employees. Educators have lobbied for the bill because they say virus-sicken...