Measure to improve access to benefits for Arizona firemen heads to governor
Arizona Senate Bill 1451, which would remove the requirement that firemen prove their cancer was caused by toxins they were exposed to on the job in order to get their employer to pay for their treatment, is headed to the desk of Gov. Doug Ducey. It also would expand access to workers’ compensation benefits to fire investigators and add two new types of cancer to the list of presumptive occupational diseases. azcentral
Labor Department Issues guidance on COVID-19 claims handling under LHWCA
The U.S. Department of Labor has issued the guidance to employees and guidance to employers and insurance carriers on how to handle claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act due to COVID-19 illnesses, writes Grady S. Hurley of Jones Walker LLP. National Law Review
Former Myrtle Beach policeman sues city over workers’ comp claim
A former Myrtle Beach, South Carolina policeman has filed a lawsuit against the city claiming he was fired over a workers’ comp claim related to a use-of-force incident in December 2018 after a suspect fought with him, according to the lawsuit. WBTW
Virginia lawmakers vote to legalize simple possession of cannabis
The Virginia General Assembly has voted to end criminal penalties for simple possession of marijuana beginning this July, backing the governor’s suggestion to accelerate the legalization timeline. Roanoke Times
Michigan governor discusses return-to-work timeline
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday discussed a general timeline for when non-essential employees may return to their job in offices. Emergency rules for COVID-19 put in place by MIOSHA are set to expire shortly, days, but the agency could extend them. WXYZ