BILL · 2023–24 SESSION
HB 1785: COVID-19/occupational
Establishing COVID-19 as an occupational disease.
Summary
- Modifies the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act by specifying that certain infectious or contagious diseases proximately caused by employment or work conditions during a public health emergency are occupational diseases for all workers for the purposes of workers' compensation claims and benefits.
- Overturns a Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals' decision where it determined that a worker's COVID-19 infection did not constitute an occupational disease.
From the House Bill Analysis 2023 (HB 1785), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗
Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee
- IntroducedFeb 7, 2023
- Out of committeestopped here
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- Governor
- Law
- Prime sponsor
- Liz Berry (D-36)
- Introduced
- February 7, 2023 in the House
- Last action
- January 8, 2024
- Budget
- Has a fiscal note
AN ACT Relating to establishing COVID-19 as an occupational disease;
Sponsors
Prime sponsor: Liz Berry (D-36)
4 co-sponsors (4 Democrats, 0 Republicans)
Votes
No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.
History
- By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
- First reading, referred to Labor & Workplace Standards.
HB 1785 in other sessions
Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.
- HB 1785 (2025–26) Excessive executive comp.
- HB 1785 (2021–22) WSP minimum salary
- HB 1785 (2019–20) Crude oil volatility/rail
- HB 1785 (2017–18) Administration of elections
- HB 1785 (2015–16) Academic achievement certif.
- HB 1785 (2013–14) State resources/de minimis
- HB 1785 (2011–12) Antifouling paints
- HB 1785 (2009–10) Chief for a day program