2021 WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LEGISLATION
As of yesterday, every legislative bill addressing workers’ compensation has now been heard in committee. Every bill remains in committee and no action has been taken on them, except LB 407, which was advanced to General File on 2/11/21. See below for a summary of...
MEDICAL MARIJUANA AND WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
In recent years and months, Iowa has expanded the availability of medical marijuana and its derivative products within the State. Iowa Code §124E.26. Marijuana is still illegal in Iowa and the State still has very strict rules regarding how the substance can be used...
CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES
During this period of rapidly-evolving information, it is important for businesses, organizations, and employers to stay up to date. Baylor Evnen will continue to provide updates on changing legislation, regulations, administrative guidance, and governmental mandates...
2021 CHANGES IN NEBRASKA MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE AND WEEKLY INCOME BENEFIT RATES
Recently, the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court adopted new mileage reimbursement rates. Effective January 1, 2021 the mileage reimbursement rate will become $.56 per mile for travel to seek related medical treatment or while participating in a vocational...
COURT HALTS ENFORCEMENT OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 13950 ON CONTRACTOR DIVERSITY TRAINING
On December 23, 2020, a federal district court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction stopping the federal government from enforcing Executive Order (EO) 13950. Santa Cruz Lesbian and Gay Cmty. Ctr., et al. v. Trump, No. 5:20-cv-07741-BLF (N.D. Cal. Dec. 23,...
COVID-19 UPDATE: COVID-RELATED TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2020
Sunday evening, the President signed the COVID-Related Tax Relief Act of 2020 (CTRA) into law. This legislation includes the long-awaited COVID-19 economic relief measures, in addition to federal appropriations for fiscal year 2021. The CTRA includes a number of...
COVID-19 UPDATE: RELIEF PACKAGE H.R. 133
On December 21, 2020, the United States Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) which includes the long-awaited COVID-19 Relief Package. The bill has been sent to President Trump for his signature. In addition to federal appropriations for...
COVID-19 UPDATE: EEOC ISSUES GUIDANCE ON VACCINES
On December 16, 2020, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued its much-anticipated guidance about the forthcoming COVID-19 vaccination and its interplay with various employment laws. The guidance consists of nine Questions and Answers, and can...
COVID-19: IOWA COMMISSIONER JOSEPH CORTESE POSTPONES IN PERSON HEARINGS UNTIL MARCH 19, 2021
On October 12, 2020, Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Joseph Cortese extended the postponement of in-person hearings by the commission from November 21, 2020 to March 19, 2021. This order was expected and is a continuation of the previous order issued by the...
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2021, THE NEBRASKA MAXIMUM WEEKLY INCOME BENEFIT WILL BE $914.00
On January 1, 2021, the maximum weekly income benefit rate under the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act will increase to $914.00. This amount will apply to work-related injuries and illnesses occurring on or after January 1, 2021. The new figure, $914.00, represents...