Giving Hoosiers confidence to reopen their businesses

Giving Hoosiers confidence to reopen their businesses

Friday, January 29, 2021

Given the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the constantly changing circumstances of the past year, Senate Republicans have pushed to protect Hoosier businesses and organizations acting in good faith to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Senate Bill 1, which recently passed the Senate by a vote of 40-8, would protect businesses, organizations, schools, individuals and health care entities from civil liability lawsuits if individuals are exposed to COVID-19 on their property or during their organized event. This protection would also cover producers of personal protective equipment. The goal of this bill is to give businesses and organizations the confidence they need to reopen operations and avoid frivolous lawsuits that could cause further financial damage in court costs.

However, this immunity would not apply if the business, individual or health care entity engages in gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

Business owners across the state have been working hard to keep their doors open throughout this pandemic in order to provide for their families and their communities. Those who have done all they can to follow the guidelines and prevent the spread of COVID-19 should not have to worry about a looming frivolous lawsuit. SB 1 will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

To view this bill and others being considered this legislative session, click here.