Page 13 - LRCC November 2020 FOCUS

VOICE OF BUSINESS

What We Are

LRCC POLICY
Working on for You PRIORITIES SURVEY

and Your Business at RESULTS

the State Capitol Top Policy Priorities

1. Jobs & the Economy
COVID-19 BUSINESS LIABILITY PROTECTIONS 2. Regional Infrastructure
3. Talent & Workforce Development
The headline: The COVID-19 business liability 4. Healthcare Accessibility &
protection bills focused on providing common sense Affordability
legal reform measures were signed by the Governor. The 5. Government Regulations | Local
bills provide legal immunity to businesses, nonprofits Government Financial Health
and others who follow federal and state statutes and
regulations related to COVID-19.

The details: House Bill 6030 does the following: LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021, WHAT, IF
ANY, FINANCIAL IMPACT DO YOU
• Specifies a person who acts in compliance with all EXPECT THAT COVID-19 WILL HAVE ON
federal, state, and local statutes, rules, regulations, YOUR BUSINESS:
executive orders and agency orders related to
COVID-19 in effect at the time of the conduct or
risk that allegedly caused harm is immune from
liability for a COVID-19 claim. MRAE : 3 % SGNCAN :
T
T
O
D
E
I
I
I
F
4
• The bill defines “person” as an individual, partnership, 7 %
3
corporation, association, governmental entity or
other legal entity, including, but not limited to, a VER LTTLE O NON : 1 1 %
E
R
Y
I
school, a college or university, an institution of higher
education and a nonprofit charitable organization.
• It also includes an employee, agent, or independent
contractor of the person, regardless of whether the
individual is paid or an unpaid volunteer. AR YOU AW F TH
E
R
E
A
O
E
B
E
E
R
S
I
S
CHAM ’ S BUN
S
House Bill 6031 makes similar changes to the Michigan
Y
EFO
T
S
V
ADOAC F R ?
C
Occupational Safety and Health Act.
House Bill 6032 codifies the Governor’s Executive Order
that prohibits discharge, discipline, or retaliation against
employees who stay home because they test positive, 2 %
7
display the principal symptoms or have had close contact
with an individual who tests positive or displays the
principal symptoms.
Why it matters: The legislation is fair and balanced in PRPARD B TH LRCC PUC AAR TEAM
I
B
L
F
F
S
I
E
E
E
Y
that it supports the safety and health of employees and
customers, as well as protecting employers/business
owners from frivolous lawsuits.
• Maintains “non-charging” employers for COVID-19 related
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS unemployment benefits.
• Authorizes increased flexibility for employers participating in the
The headline: Due to the Michigan Supreme Court ruling against the Workshare program.
Governor’s state of emergency powers of issuing executive orders in response • Ensures individuals filing an initial state claim for unemployment benefits
to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Legislature has been working to could receive up to 26 weeks of benefits.
codify certain executive orders such as unemployment benefits.
Why it matters: The legislation is important to assist employers manage
The details: The unemployment legislation that was passed by the State through the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertains to unemployment. n
Legislature and signed by the Governor continues to do the following:
12 FOCUS / NOVEMBER 2020 LANSINGCHAMBER.ORG 13