Introduced by Rep. Thomas Albert R-Lowell on July 23, 2020
To establish in a new law that a business, facility owner and others are not liable for a claim that arises from exposure of an individual to COVID-19 on the premises unless this was caused by a reckless disregard of a substantial and unnecessary risk that an individual would be exposed, and establish that operations that are in substantial compliance and reasonably consistent with an applicable federal or state statute, regulation, executive order, etc. are not liable for a COVID-19 claim or a claim related to conduct intended to reduce transmission of COVID-19. The bill also bars epidemic-related product liability claims against makers and sellers of disinfecting or cleaning supplies or personal protective equipment. Official Text and Analysis.
Referred to the House Judiciary Committee on July 23, 2020
Reported in the House on September 16, 2020
With the recommendation that the substitute (H-4) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
To establish in a new law that a business, facility owner and others are not liable for a claim that arises from exposure of an individual to COVID-19 on the premises unless it was a deliberate act intended to cause harm, and as long as the facility was operated in compliance with federal and state statutes or regulations, executive orders, and state agency orders, etc. This would also apply any person in the distribution chain of personal protective equipment, medical devices, drugs and more used to treat or prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Received in the Senate on September 24, 2020
Referred to the Senate Economic and Small Business Development Committee on September 24, 2020
To establish in a new law that a business, facility owner and others are not liable for a claim that arises from exposure of an individual to COVID-19 on the premises unless it was a deliberate act intended to cause harm, and as long as the facility was operated in compliance with federal, state and local statutes or regulations, executive orders, and state agency orders, etc. "Isolated, de minimis deviations" would not be grounds for a lawsuit. The provisions would also apply any person in the distribution chain of personal protective equipment, medical devices, drugs and more used to treat or prevent the spread of COVID-19.