Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases requirements for COVID-19 business lawsuits.

Highlights:

• Specifies that a school, church, religious institution, nonprofit organization, or a person operating such an institution, that is operating in the state during a state of emergency relating to the COVID-19 outbreak or before April 1, 2021, whichever is later, is not liable to a person who contracts COVID-19, including after entering and remaining on the premises of the school, church, business, corporation, or another institution if the action is based on strict liability, premise liability, or negligence unless the institution acted with gross negligence (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that the burden of proof in a civil action based on the plaintiff contracting COVID-19 for a case relating to the above highlight is clear and convincing evidence (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits a person from being charged with, adjudicated for, or convicted of an act that is prohibited or required by an executive order that is issued during a state of emergency declared by the governor and that is related to the COVID-19 outbreak (Sec. 1).

• Requires a person who knowingly fails or refuses to obey any lawful order, rule, or regulation that is required by an executive order related to a stated of emergency relating to the COVID-19 outbreak to pay a civil penalty of up to $100, beginning March 11, 2020 (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text