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Gov. Newsom Signs Laws to Protect California’s Workforce Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed two bills aimed at protecting workers from the coronavirus. California companies now must alert workers of the potential exposure to COVID-19 and must pay employees workers compensation benefits when they contract the disease.
“Protecting workers is critical to slowing the spread of this virus,” said Governor Newsom. “These two laws will help California workers stay safe at work and get the support they need if they are exposed to COVID-19.”
SB 1159 expands access to workers’ compensation and makes it easier for first responders, health care workers and people who test positive due to an outbreak at work to get the support they need, including necessary medical care and wage replacement benefits.
AB 685 ensures timely notification to employees and local and state public health officials of COVID-19 cases at workplaces. This notification will help workers take necessary precautions such as seeking testing, getting medical help or complying with quarantine directives.
Business groups such as the California Chamber of Commerce opposed AB 685 because it requires employers to provide various kinds of notice to all employees if an unclear “exposure” occurs, even if such exposure is outside the workplace and neither party in fact has COVID-19.
The Chamber notes the required notice also raises privacy concerns and does not appear beneficial to worker safety. The group believes that the law is unclear and will be difficult for businesses to comply with and ultimately could result in employers facing substantial fines.
For comments, questions or concerns, please contact Dennis Kaiser
