Quote of the day
“AB 5, in its current form, is causing chaos. Even lawyers can’t make heads or tails of it. And everyone, including the author, says major changes are coming. Why on earth would we not allow a brief Grace Period until these changes take effect next year?”
California Assemblyman Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) says
California Political Review/California Globe
Connecticut relaxes deadlines for workers’ comp claims during pandemic
The state of Connecticut has indefinitely extended deadlines for business before the state Workers Compensation Commission, which this week announced staff cuts. The state’s panel of workers’ compensation commissioners remains intact, and indicated Tuesday they will continue to conduct hearings by telephone for existing claims and any new filings, and evaluate staffing needs according to case volumes. New Haven Register
Here’s where to find help in Oregon
For Oregonians who find themselves with reduced or no income, or intend to file workers’ comp claims, here is some guidance on what benefits they may receive and where to find help. Register-Guard (Eugene, Ore.)
Two California politicians and thousands of Californians who are independent contractors, gig economy workers, and freelancers, are calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to suspend Assembly Bill 5’s restrictions on independent contracting during the COVID-19 crisis. California Political Review
Frontline North Dakota employees can get workers’ comp
North Dakota’s governor has signed an executive order to provide workers’ compensation coverage for first responders and healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19 on the job. An estimated 80,000 workers will be covered under the executive order. Coverage is available beginning March 13, 2020. KVRR (Fargo)
The Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation’s board of directors this week announced it is expediting the distribution of the company’s annual dividend in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Approximately 20,000 businesses across Louisiana will receive a dividend check; the agency says it will total $86 million. KLFY