COVID–19 as a Presumptive Disease in Wildland Firefighters Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in senate (Jun 8, 2020)
COVID-19 as a Presumptive Disease in Wildland Firefighters Act
This bill entitles federal wildland firefighters who contract COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) to federal workers' compensation benefits and also establishes certain testing and screening requirements for such firefighters during the wildfire season (May 15-November 15, 2020).
Specifically, the bill provides that if a federal wildland firefighter exhibits specified symptoms, tests positive, or is otherwise determined by a physician as likely having COVID-19 during the wildfire season or during a specific wildfire (or in the following 28 days), the firefighter is presumed to have incurred an injury while on duty that qualifies for workers' compensation benefits.
Additionally, the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture must ensure that all of their firefighters are tested for COVID-19 or related symptoms, or self-quarantine for at least 14 days with no symptoms, before the wildfire season or before responding to a wildfire.
What just happenedJun 8, 2020
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Who’s behind it
- Introduced in SenateJun 8, 2020
- Jun 8, 2020IntroReferral
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee - Jun 8, 2020IntroReferral10000
Introduced in Senate