The Senate passed a bill creating the Covid-19 Jobs Protection Act, as well as a measure relating to the West Virginia Employment Law Worker Classification Act, during Friday’s floor session.
Senate Bill 277, the Covid-19 Jobs Protection Act, provides immunity from civil liability for damages for an injury resulting from exposure to COVID-19 on the premises owned or managed by another person, so long as that person was acting in compliance or consistent with applicable federal or state regulations, an Executive Order of the Governor, or other such guidance.
Immunity does not apply to willful or wanton misconduct, reckless or intentional infliction of harm, or gross negligence. The legislation is retroactive to the date on which the state of emergency was declared in West Virginia.
Senate Bill 272, which relates to the West Virginia Employment Law Worker Classification Act, is intended to simplify criteria used to define independent contractors, and to impose objective standards on the differences between independent contractors and employees
These bills now head to the House of Delegates for consideration.
Senate Bills 361-371 were introduced today.
The Senate is adjourned until Monday, Feb. 22 at 11 a.m.
