An Act providing hazard pay and protection for essential workers during a public health "State of Emergency" declaration

This bill mandates that private employers with eleven or more employees provide hazard pay and protective equipment to essential workers during a public health state of emergency. Hazard pay is set at one and a half times the worker's regular hourly rate for any hours worked while a stay-at-home or shelter-in-place order is in effect, while employers must also supply recommended personal protective equipment at no cost to employees. Additionally, the law prohibits employers from penalizing workers who refuse to work if they reasonably believe the job poses a serious health threat, have a high-risk health condition, live with someone at elevated risk, or lack childcare due to school closures. The provisions apply only to private-sector essential businesses and explicitly exclude government employees and certain exempt professional roles.