Gig workers

So far this year, 13 states have seen legislative proposals that cover workers' comp for independent contractors. For example, Utah passed the Remote Service Marketplace Platforms Act, which defines "Marketplace Company" as an entity that offers a digital application to the public and accepts requests for remote services exclusive through the app. It also establishes that a remote-service contractor is not an employee of a marketplace company if they meet certain conditions. Further, West Virginia introduced several bills that provide criteria to determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor strictly for workers' comp purposes, NCCI reported.

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COVID presumptions

To date, nine states have enacted COVID-19 presumption legislation. Most of these regulations are temporary in nature, according to NCCI. However, several states are working to extend or expand those presumptions, including Vermont, Illinois, Alaska, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Further, 15 other states are considering establishing updated workers' compensation presumptions for certain workers. Proposed presumptions cover fields such as teachers and nurses. In Connecticut and Iowa, lawmakers are considering covering every employee with the presumption.

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Covering work-related mental injuries

Around 40 bills have been introduced to address workers' compensation for mental injuries, with 30 of them covering PTSD, NCCI reported. Connecticut has seen numerous bills of this sort, with legislation aimed at certain mental and emotional impairments, mental and emotional injuries and PTSD. Similarly, Kansas' HB 2307 addresses coverage for mental injuries arising from physical injury, emotional shock or a series of work-related events.

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Marijuana legalization

While legal in the majority of U.S. states, marijuana continues to be under a federal prohibition. This leaves employers to question how to view and treat marijuana use among workers. NCCI noted that the new presidential administration could take a more relaxed stance on marijuana, which could be removed from the list of Schedule One substances in the Controlled Substance Act. Additionally, legislation is being proposed to provide safe harbor for financial intuitions that serve the marijuana industry.

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States look to single-payer systems

In the coming year, 10 states will consider adopting a single-payer health insurance program, NCCI reported. Among those states, Texas, Iowa, Rhode Island, Maryland and California are considering legislation that specifically mentions workers' comp or injured workers' medical benefits.

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Gig workers

So far this year, 13 states have seen legislative proposals that cover workers' comp for independent contractors. For example, Utah passed the Remote Service Marketplace Platforms Act, which defines "Marketplace Company" as an entity that offers a digital application to the public and accepts requests for remote services exclusive through the app. It also establishes that a remote-service contractor is not an employee of a marketplace company if they meet certain conditions. Further, West Virginia introduced several bills that provide criteria to determine if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor strictly for workers' comp purposes, NCCI reported.

(Credit: Jeenah Moon)