Bill to protect businesses from COVID-19 lawsuits passes House, moves to Senate

INDIANAPOLIS—The much-debated civil liability bill, House Bill 1002, passed through the Indiana House with a 76-20 final vote Monday. Now it will move to the Indiana Senate for review.

This bill, which would ensure businesses and other entities cannot be sued in many cases when visitors believe they contracted COVID-19 on business premises, was named a priority policy for the 2021 session by Statehouse Republicans and Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb.

There was debate mainly from Statehouse Democrats about whether the bill unfairly limits the right to sue nursing homes and businesses in real cases where employees, patients and customers were exposed to COVID-19 due to negligence.

Those opposing the bill said it may be protecting employers who have chosen not to keep their employees and customers safe. They also said it could protect nursing homes from being held responsible for abuse and neglect of residents.

Read more: http://thestatehousefile.com/44280/bill-to-protect-businesses-from-covid-19-lawsuits-passes-house-moves-to-senate/