9-15-2020 11:07pm

New Law Will Help Protect Against Lawsuits Over COVID-19

Rick Amburgey Neighbor

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 606 into law on Monday. The new law protects people like health care workers, business owners, schools and more from potential lawsuits by people who claim to the were exposed to COVID-19 in their establishments. The law will provide civil immunity as long as they don't show reckless, intentional or willful misconduct. It also protects health care providers from tort actions related to the COVID-19 as long as there is no reckless or willful misconduct.

Some of the associations that supported House Bill 606 included AICUO, CCAO, Inter-University Council of Ohio, NFIB, Ohio Association of Community Colleges, Ohio Business Roundtable, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio Hospital Association, Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association, the Ohio Manufacturers' Association, Ohio Metro Chambers Coalition, Ohio Municipal League, Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio School Boards Association, Ohio State Medical Association, Ohio's Superintendent Association and Ohio Township Association.

Andrew E. Doehrel, president & CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce said in a statement that "Ohio businesses stepped up when asked to help with this pandemic crisis and we are pleased that the Senate and House, along with the governor, have acted to help protect jobs and our economy."

Kirk Hamilton, Ph.D., executive director of the Ohio’s Superintendent Association, said in a statement that educational leaders have worked to provide a safe learning environment for students. "HB 606 provides additional protections for Ohio’s schools as they seek to return students to the classroom and to as much normalcy as possible. Thank you for your sensitivity to the countless challenges our schools are facing. Your support of HB 606 is one of the many ways you have partnered with Ohio’s schools to help them navigate the unique circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.