jj-2023

On Air

JJ Hayes

Mon - Fri 5:00 AM to 10 AM

Kansas AG shoots down regulation change for workers comp and Covid-19

Kansas AG shoots down regulation change for workers comp and Covid-19

Kansas AG shoots down regulation change for workers comp and Covid-19

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has told the Kansas Department of Labor that at least one proposed regulation change would require legislation approved by lawmakers.

Back in April, Governor Laura Kelly directed the Kansas Department of Labor to draft two new regulations and corresponding legislation regarding Covid-19 and workers compensation.  The first regulation would make the presumption that first responders such as firefighters, EMS and law enforcement, along with health care and essential workers who contract Covid-19, did so in the line of duty, while the second would allow them to receive workers compensation for contracting the virus.

During a news conference Wednesday, Kansas Secretary of Labor Delia Garcia says Schmidt rejected the first regulation change, saying it would have to be approved by the legislature.  Garcia says they have not received the Attorney General’s legal opinion on the second regulation.

The department is working on legislation for the proposed regulations.  However, it’s doubtful that it will be voted on.

Lawmakers return for just a one day session on May 21 where Republicans appear to be poised to try to enact legislation to limit the governor’s emergency powers and executive orders.  The next session won’t be until January.

Recommended Posts

Loading...