2020 House Bill 6030 / Public Act 236

Authorize coronavirus liability shield for business and facilities

Introduced in the House

July 23, 2020

Introduced by Rep. Thomas Albert (R-86)

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.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Sept. 16, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-4) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Sept. 23, 2020

Passed in the House 57 to 49 (details)

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

Sept. 24, 2020

Referred to the Committee on Economic and Small Business Development

Oct. 14, 2020

Passed in the Senate 23 to 14 (details)

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.

Received in the House

Oct. 14, 2020

Passed in the House 86 to 15 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Oct. 22, 2020