Rep. Matt Lehman

Provides that federal economic stimulus funds (funds) disbursed to the state during a period in which the general assembly is convened in regular or special session are subject to appropriation by the general assembly, and if the funds are disbursed in a period in which the general assembly is not convened in regular or special session, then the allotment of those funds is subject to review by the state budget committee. Establishes the legislative state of disaster advisory group to: (1) consult with, receive information from, and advise the governor concerning a widespread disaster emergency; (2) review, evaluate, and make recommendations with respect to a widespread disaster emergency; and (3) inform the members of the general assembly concerning the advisory group's work and the widespread disaster emergency. Provides that a disaster emergency affecting 10 or more counties may be extended beyond its initial period, or beyond an extension authorized by the general assembly to a specified date: (1) by not more than 15 days if the general assembly is not in session and the governor does not call the general assembly into session; (2) by not more than 30 days if, during the first fifteen (15) days following the governor's renewal, the general assembly is in session or the governor calls the general assembly into session, but the general assembly does not authorize a renewal of the disaster emergency; or (3) to a specified date fixed by the general assembly, if the general assembly authorizes a renewal of the disaster emergency. Prohibits the governor from declaring a new disaster emergency within 180 days of the termination of a previous disaster emergency if the: (1) new disaster emergency is based on the same or a similar cause as the previous disaster emergency; and (2) the previous disaster emergency was terminated by the general assembly or expired because the general assembly did not reauthorize it. Specifies that, during a special session called to authorize the extension of a disaster emergency, the general assembly may only consider upon issues related to the disaster. Makes a violation of the disaster law chapter or an order authorized by that chapter a Class B infraction.

Provides that if, after the occurrence of an accident, compensation is paid for temporary total disability or temporary partial disability, then the two year limitation period to file an application for adjustment of claim begins to run on the last date for which such compensation was paid. Increases benefits for injuries and disablements by 2% each year for three years, beginning on July 1, 2021. Makes conforming amendments.

Urges the legislative council to assign the interim study committee on fiscal policy the task of studying the creation of wastewater facility improvement districts.

Provides civil tort immunity for damages arising from COVID-19 on the premises owned or operated by a person, on any premises on which the person or an employee or agent of the person provided property or services to the individual, or during an activity managed, organized, or sponsored by the person, except for an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct (including fraud and intentionally tortious acts). Defines "COVID-19 protective product" and provides civil tort immunity for harm that results from the design, manufacture, labeling, sale, distribution, or donation of a COVID-19 protective product, except for an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct (including fraud and intentionally tortious acts). Prohibits class action suits.

Recognizing January 11th as Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Establishes the jointly employed local health officer fund (fund) for the purpose of receiving, holding, and disbursing funds for grants-in-aid. Provides that the grants-in-aid apply only to county health departments and not to city health departments. Provides that a jointly employed local health officer means a local health officer that is jointly employed by two or more counties. Provides that the auditor of each county that jointly employs a local health officer that is also employed by one or more other county or counties shall annually certify that employment to the state department of health (department). Provides that the department shall distribute from the fund a grant-in-aid subsidy not to exceed $60,000 per county by which the jointly employed local health officer is employed that is to be applied to the local health officer's annual salary. Provides that certain costs associated with the fund when two counties are acting jointly must be prorated based on the populations of the participating counties. Provides that the department shall distribute the grant-in-aid subsidies from the fund on a schedule determined by the department. Sets requirements for the director of the division of public health for a health and hospital corporation and certain health officers. Removes: (1) confirmation for certain local health department personnel; and (2) approval of duties; by the local board of health. Specifies that a county executive or a city executive appoints a local health officer (current law states that the board of health appoints the local health officer). Specifies that the local health officer manages the local health department (current law provides that the board of health manages the local health department). Prohibits the establishment of any new second class city departments of health. Requires a multiple county board of health to submit recommendations for a local health officer to the county executives of each participating county and requires the county executives to appoint the local health officer.

Expands the list of medical professionals from which home health agencies may accept written orders. Changes the requirements for the issuance of a prescription via telemedicine. Provides that advanced practice registered nurses may operate in multiple locations in collaboration with a physician. Increases the number of pharmacy technicians that a single licensed pharmacist may supervise. Provides that pharmacy technicians may perform certain work remotely without the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Requires insurers offering policies of accident and sickness insurance and health maintenance organizations to provide an insured an additional 30 days from the date: (1) a preferred provider agreement or a participating provider contract is terminated; or (2) the insurer or health maintenance organization and a preferred provider or participating provider are required to complete the renegotiation of an agreement or a contract; to make a decision on the renewal of coverage under a policy of accident and sickness insurance or a health maintenance organization contract.

Urges the legislative council to assign to the audit and financial reporting subcommittee of the legislative council the tasks of studying, identifying, and recommending any legislative changes necessary to establish and preserve independence of the state board of accounts.

Provides that a plaintiff's failure to wear a seatbelt may be used as evidence of the plaintiff's fault in a civil action for damages.