AR SB16

Amends Arkansas Workers' Compensation Law to clarify eligibility for workers' compensation benefits for employees, first responders, Arkansas National Guard members on state active duty, and front-line healthcare workers who test positive for COVID-19 if they can demonstrate a causal connection between their diagnosis and work-related exposure.

Modifies § 11-9-105(a) to clarify that employer knowledge of potential COVID-19 exposure within normal job duties does not constitute intentional conduct that would remove employer protections under workers' compensation law.

Amends § 11-9-114 to include COVID-19 exposure as an "unusual and unpredicted incident" qualifying as a pulmonary and respiratory accident for purposes of heart and lung injury claims.

Modifies § 11-9-601(e) to create an exception to contagious disease restrictions for first responders and front-line healthcare workers contracting COVID-19, while establishing COVID-19 as an occupational disease that must meet all statutory requirements for occupational disease claims.

Declares an emergency effective upon gubernatorial approval, allowing immediate implementation to protect employees, employers, and businesses from financial impacts of COVID-19 exposure.