HI HB1224

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 386-5 to allow civil actions for COVID-19 contracted by employees whose employers failed to maintain adequate workplace protections against exposure to the novel coronavirus, creating an exception to workers' compensation exclusivity.

Adds a new presumption under Section 386-85 that COVID-19 has been proximately caused by an employer's failure to maintain adequate workplace protections against exposure to the novel coronavirus.

Maintains existing exceptions to workers' compensation exclusivity for sexual harassment, sexual assault, infliction of emotional distress, and invasion of privacy related thereto.

Does not affect rights, duties, penalties, or proceedings that matured or began before the Act's effective date.

Takes effect upon approval.