Senate Bill 704 - COVID-19 Recovery Act Summary

• Tax Relief: Extends corporate income, franchise, and individual income tax payment deadlines from April 15 to July 15, 2020; waives interest accrual during this period; extends statute of limitations for refund claims.

• Unemployment Benefits: Creates emergency unemployment benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19 (temporary closures, reduced hours, diagnosed or quarantined); waives waiting weeks and work search requirements; employers receive tax credits for contributions.

• Education: Waives end-of-grade and end-of-course tests for 2019-2020 school year; modifies third-grade retention requirements; extends multiple education reporting deadlines and school performance evaluation requirements.

• Healthcare: Authorizes dentists and pharmacists to administer COVID-19 tests; establishes liability protections for healthcare providers and essential businesses acting in good faith during emergency; creates strategic state stockpile plan for personal protective equipment.

• Government Operations: Allows remote meetings for public bodies during emergency declarations; extends various local government deadlines; authorizes state agencies to delay fees, permits, and renewal dates; extends development approval timelines by five months.