The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rush of legislation devoted to protecting people and stopping the spread of the disease. With legislation pushed through quickly, it’s easy to lose track of all the changes. Here are five new laws that were instituted as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
Called HR 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 gave families everywhere an additional stimulus of $1,400. It also had a few other clauses and decrees. One of them was aimed at protecting pensions. It provided up to $86 billion for employers who were struggling financially. By bolstering them, employers were able to continue to pay pensions.
It also provided $48.3 billion towards public health to help them purchase more PPE and help distribute vaccines.
2. Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act
Called HR 266, this law further sought to protect paychecks. It gave several billions of dollars to small lending intuitions, disaster loan accounts, and a few other programs designed for disasters.
It also awarded money to healthcare facilities to help them shoulder the burden of taking care of the sick and help with testing. It asked states and territories to provide information about testing and how they were going to use the resources they were given.
3. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economy Security Act
Called S 3548, this law gave those who qualified $1,200 in stimulus money. It also added $600 to federal unemployment to help those who had lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. Student loans were paused and adverse consumer credit reporting was also halted for 120 days.
This law is still being considered for extension to further help those who are unemployed due to the pandemic.
4. Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Called HR 6201, this one of the first laws directed at COVID. It ensured that COVID-19 testing was free. It required that universal healthcare providers and private insurances covered the costs of the test without co-pay.
It also gave employees emergency sick leave if they found themselves sick. Employers had to pay up to 80 hours of sick leave. It also further protected families that needed to stay home because of school closure due to the pandemic.
5. Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020
Called HR 6074, this was a brief law that authorized emergency spending to help combat the pandemic. It was given primarily to vaccine developers in the hopes of quickly creating a vaccine.
If you believe that you’re in need of a Philadelphia criminal defense law firm, then you should contact Brennan Law Offices. Our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers can ensure your rights are protected under the new laws.