COVID-19 Relief Programs for Businesses and Employers
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Last Updated August 31, 2020 COVID-19 Relief Programs for Businesses and Employers paul, weiss, rifkind, wharton & garrison llp table of contents 01 | Alabama 40 | Louisiana 70 | Ohio 02 | Alaska 41 | Maine 73 | Oklahoma 02 | Arizona 43 | Maryland 75 | Oregon 04 | Arkansas 44 | Massachusetts 75 | Pennsylvania 05 | California 47 | Michigan 79 | Rhode Island 21 | Colorado 50 | Minnesota 80 | South Carolina 22 | Connecticut 51 | Mississippi 82 | South Dakota 23 | Delaware 51 | Missouri 83 | Tennessee 24 | Florida 54 | Montana 85 | Texas 25 | Georgia 55 | Nebraska 86 | Utah 26 | Hawaii 56 | Nevada 90 | Vermont 27 | Idaho 58 | New Hampshire 91 | Virginia 27 | Illinois 58 | New Jersey 94 | Washington State 31 | Indiana 63 | New Mexico 95 | West Virginia 31 | Iowa 64 | New York 96 | Wisconsin 34 | Kansas 67 | North Carolina 97 | Wyoming 38 | Kentucky 68 | North Dakota 9 8 | District of Columbia © 2020 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes. COVID-19 Relief Programs for Businesses and Employers Alabama State-Wide Programs . Agricultural Stabilization Program . Qualifying Alabama individuals and businesses in various agricultural industries including (i) cattle production, (ii) meat processing, (iii) poultry farming, (iv) catfish processing, (v) fruit and vegetable processing, (vi) food production pursuant to the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, and (vii) plant nurseries are eligible for funds related to business lost and/or protective equipment and supplies purchased in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds available vary based on agricultural industry. Meat processing, catfish processing and fruit and vegetable processing available now. Others available in coming weeks. For more information on availability and eligibility, please click here. Forestry Commission Timber Owners Program . Qualifying Alabama timber owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for grants of up to $10,000 on a first-come, first-served basis if they harvested timber in Alabama between March and July 2020. Guidance Regarding Reopening Restaurants, Athletic Facilities, Retailers, Entertainment Venues, and Close Contact Service Providers . If no countervailing city or county restrictions apply, by executive order of the Governor, restaurants, athletic facilities, retailers, entertainment venues, and close contact service providers (barber shops, salons, spas, tattoo parlors and massage therapists) may reopen, subject to compliance with social distancing guidelines and other safety measures. Businesses should check for any additional city or county restrictions. Protection From Civil Liability for Businesses and Health Care Providers Acting in Response to COVID- 19 . Businesses, health care providers, or other covered entities are not liable for the death or injury to persons, or for damages to property, in any way arising from any act or omission related to, or in connection with, COVID-19 transmission or a covered COVID-19 response activity, unless found to be acting with wanton, reckless, willful or intentional misconduct. COVID-19 response activities © 2020 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes. include: (i) any testing, or activity related thereto, in connection with COVID-19; (ii) any performance or provision of health care services or treatment by a health care worker that was negatively affected by a lack of resources caused by the COVID-19 pandemic or Alabama’s response thereto; (iii) any design, manufacture, distribution, allowance, use or non-use of precautionary equipment such as PPE in connection with COVID-19; or (iv) any design or manufacture of testing materials done under the direction of the Alabama Department of Public Health. Alaska State-Wide Programs . Reopening at Full Capacity for Various Businesses . Pursuant to an executive order, Governor Dunleavy has announced that as of May 22, 2020, all businesses, houses of worship, libraries and museums, and recreational and sport facilities may reopen at 100% capacity. Individuals, businesses, and organizations affected by this order are encouraged to follow local, state, national and industry guidelines on ways to safely conduct business and related activities, including by observing and enforcing social distancing and hygiene best practices. Businesses should check for any additional city or county restrictions. Arizona State-Wide Programs . Deferred Liquor License Payments for 90 Days . Effective March 31, 2020 through June 29, 2020. The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control will defer the payment of all liquor license fees by 90 days for bars and restaurants in Arizona. Electric Utility Relief . Arizona’s largest electric utilities have agreed to provide continued electricity to homes, hospitals, and businesses and will not shut off power during the remainder of the COVID-19 crisis due to inability to pay. No penalties or late fees will be assessed during this time, and the utilities will provide flexible options for customers who wish to switch plans. Employment Opportunities Database . The Arizona Commerce Authority recommends that anyone who is seeking employment in Arizona visit ArizonaAtWork.com to access a database of employers who are currently hiring and need immediate assistance. 2 . Exemption to Resume Elective Surgeries Upon Request for Health Care Facilities That Meet Preparedness Standards . Beginning on May 1, 2020, Arizona hospitals, healthcare facilities, and providers (including dentists) may apply for and receive permission from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to resume elective surgeries if they can demonstrate ample supply of PPE, increased capacity, and the implementation of certain safety measures. ADHS is not yet ready to process applications, but guidance will be posted on the ADHS website once finalized. Food Trucks Permitted at Arizona Rest Areas . Pursuant to Executive Order 2020-31, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will issue no-fee permits to licensed mobile food vendors to provide take-away food services for commercial vehicle drivers at eight ADOT rest areas. Licensed mobile food vendors can apply for a no-cost, 30- day permit on the ADOT website. Good Samaritan Protections for COVID-19 Frontline Workers . Pursuant to Executive Order 2020-27, beginning on April 9, 2020, licensed Arizona healthcare professionals, volunteers, and healthcare institutions who provide medical services in support of the State’s COVID-19 emergency and have acted in good faith will be immune from civil liability. The Executive Order will expire on December 31, 2020, but the immunities granted for actions undertaken during the term of the order will survive expiration of the order. The order does not provide immunity from civil liabilities for gross negligence or reckless or willful misconduct. Guidance for Reopening Businesses . As businesses begin to reopen in Arizona, Governor Ducey has announced specific guidelines for certain types of businesses, including retail businesses, barbers, cosmetologists, restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, fitness providers, spas, and massage therapists. Businesses should check for any additional city or county restrictions. Shared Work Unemployment Compensation . The Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program is an ongoing collaborative effort between Arizona and employers. This program provides an alternative to layoffs by allowing employers to reduce the number of hours employees work while simultaneously permitting those employees to receive a portion of Unemployment Insurance benefits. 3 . State Income Taxes . The deadline for filing and paying state income taxes has been extended from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. Telemedicine for Veterinarians Treating Pets or Animals . Effective April 1, 2020 and for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, licensed veterinarians in Arizona are permitted to provide veterinary services via telemedicine. The Arizona State Veterinary Medical Board may establish reasonable requirements and parameters for the provision of such telehealth veterinary services. Virtual Notary Services . Beginning on April 10, 2020 through July 1, 2020, Arizona notaries can apply to become electronic notaries. Before submitting an electronic application, notaries must review the applicable Administrative Rules and contract with a vendor for technology services to perform electronic notarizations. Arkansas State-Wide Programs . Reopening Guidance . The Governor of Arkansas has announced guidance for certain businesses to reopen in the state, if there are no countervailing city or county restrictions. Businesses in certain categories are slated to reopen on specific dates throughout May. Businesses should check for any additional city or county restrictions. Work Share Program . Arkansas’ Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program allows employees to receive a portion of their unemployment benefits while working reduced hours. 4 California State-Wide Programs . California Tax, Regulatory, and Licensing Extensions . Effective March 30, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order authorizing the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) to: (1) offer a 90-day extension