Workers’ comp rates to drop again in Vermont

Rates for workers’ compensation insurance will fall for the sixth year in a row in 2022, meaning Vermont employers will pay an average of 41 percent less in premiums than they did in 2016, according to a news release. The rate reduction will be effective on April 1, 2022, and is estimated to save Vermont employers more than $8 million during the coming year. The commissioner of the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation says several factors have led to the rate reductions, including enhanced focus on safety by employers. Burlington Free Press

Washington couple must repay $139K in stolen workers’ comp

A Vancouver, Washington couple pleaded guilty to felony second-degree theft last week, after collecting workers’ compensation while continuing to work at their son’s auto repair shop. Columbian [may require registration]

California: Governor Newsom to allow California’s indoor mask mandate to expire

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday announced he will allow California’s indoor mask mandate to expire next week but the measure will still be in effect for schools and those who are unvaccinated. Additional updates to COVID policies are expected this week. Just the News

Minnesota Legislature renews COVID-19 workers’ comp law

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz late last week signed legislation that renews an expired measure making it easier for some frontline employees to qualify for workers’ compensation if they contract COVID-19 on the job. The legislation directly affects about 183,000 employees, including health care and long-term care employees, first responders, correctional officers and child care providers. Some lawmakers pledged to push for additional legislation to include employees who fell ill last month and wouldn’t be covered by the new law, which was not retroactive. Axios