Lawmakers Extend Comp to Some Domestic Workers; Presumption Bills in Conference

Virginia lawmakers on Friday voted to extend workers' compensation and fair-labor laws to some domestic workers, but COVID-19 presumption bills may have hit a wall with just days left in the legislative session. The House of Delegates voted 55-45 in favor of SB 1310, which would require employers that have 15 or more employees to provide workers' comp to a wide range of domestic workers, including housekeepers, janitors, handymen, chauffeurs and gardeners. It also sets stiff penalties for violations by employers. Sponsored by Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, the bill passed the S...