Bailey’s Crossroads Fire Station hosts Gov. Northam for bill-signing ceremony

First responders and elected officials at the bill signing ceremony in Bailey’s Crossroads.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed legislation protecting first responders at a ceremony at the Bailey’s Crossroads Fire Station May 6. 

The measure expands workers’ compensation to allow coverage for first responders on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Today we recognize the firefighters, emergency medical personnel, our law enforcement, our correction officers,” Northam said. “These men and women literally risked their lives every day to do their job and also risk the lives of their families.”

Senate Bill 1375 was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, whose district, the 35th, includes parts of Mason District in the General Assembly. 

The bill establishes a presumption that COVID-19 causing the death or disability of first responders is an occupational disease covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act. However, the bill only applies to first responders diagnosed with COVID on or after July 1, 2021, and whose death or disability resulting from COVID occurred on or after that date.