SB 1022 Summary

• Prohibits employers from taking adverse employment actions (discipline, termination, demotion, reduced hours/pay, or benefit reduction) against employees who comply with COVID-19 work restrictions or oppose violations of the act.

• Requires employees who test positive for COVID-19 or display principal symptoms (fever, atypical cough, atypical shortness of breath) to remain off work until receiving a negative test result or until 3 days after symptoms end and 7 days have passed since symptom onset or positive test date.

• Requires employees with close contact (within 6 feet for prolonged period) to an infected or symptomatic individual to stay off work for 14 days or until the contact person tests negative, except for healthcare professionals, first responders, correctional facility workers, child protective service employees, and child caring institution workers.

• Allows employees to bring civil action in circuit court for violations, with minimum damages award of $5,000 plus attorney fees and court costs if plaintiff prevails.

• Repeals effective March 31, 2021, and only takes effect if Senate Bills 1023 and 1024 are also enacted into law.