Pritzker Signs HB 4276, Extends
Protections for First Responders and Frontline Essential Workers
Impacted by COVID-19
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[February 27, 2021]
Building on efforts to protect Illinois’ first
responders and frontline essential workers, Governor JB Pritzker
signed HB 4276 into law. The legislation extends worker compensation
benefits until June 30, 2021, for first responders and frontline
essential workers who were exposed to and contracted COVID-19
through their job.
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“This legislation ensures that our first
responders and frontline essential workers, as well as their
families, continue to receive the protection and benefits that they
deserve,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinois has made substantial
progress in our fight against COVID-19 and it is because of the hard
work, and sometimes difficult sacrifices, from our first responders
and frontline essential workers. I am proud to sign this legislation
as my administration continues to do all it can to protect them,
their families and all our communities.”
“We’ve asked first responders and frontline workers to repeatedly
put themselves in harm’s way to protect us throughout the pandemic,”
said Senator, Assistant Majority Leader Bill Cunningham. “I’m proud
to join Governor Pritzker to help ensure that we, in turn, protect
first responders and frontline workers should they contract the
virus while at work.”
“First responders and essential frontline workers put their lives on
the line every single day,” said Representative, Assistant Majority
Leader Jay Hoffman. “This bill is necessary and will ensure the
continued protection of those serving on the frontlines that have
contracted COVID-19 while on the job. Thank you Governor Pritzker
for recognizing the sacrifice our first responders, essential
frontline workers and their families have made for the state of
Illinois.”
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“Once again, Governor Pritzker has demonstrated his
support not just for our firefighter/paramedics but for all
essential employees in Illinois by signing HB 4276 into law,” said
Chuck Sullivan, President of the Associated Fire Fighters of
Illinois. “As we work through this global pandemic, the Governor, as
well as Leader Hoffman and Leader Cunningham have proven time and
again that worker rights are important to them. This bill will
continue to allow those serving on the frontlines an assurance that
if they should contract COVID, there are measures in place to
protect them.”
HB 4276 also allows extended time-off up to 60 days if COVID
impacted the recovery of an employee. For example, if COVID impacted
an individual’s ability to attend physical therapy at the doctor’s
office which was closed because of COVID-19, under the new
legislation, the time period is extended so the employee can now
take time off to rehabilitate and receive compensation.
The legislation also extends the timeline in which the death of a
policeman and fireman from COVID-19 can be designated as a fatal
injury while in active service.
HB 4276 is effective immediately.
[Office of the Governor JB Pritzker] |