Bill would grant businesses immunity against virus suits

Abillmeant to COLUMBUS— protect businesses against coronavirus-related lawsuits is headed to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk following a Wednesday vote from the Ohio Senate.

The Senate voted 22-8, with the chamber’s Democrats voting no, to approve House Bill 606, passed by the House the day before. The bill grants immunity through Sept. 30 of next year to businesses, schools, health-care providers and other employers, as well as health-care workers, against lawsuits claiming they helped transmit the coronavirus.

Supporters, including Republicans and business groups that requested it, say the bill will help businesses stay open in an uncertain time without having to fear possible lawsuits.

Democrats meanwhile have said current lawalready has protections against reckless lawsuits and that the bill would encourage businesses to do the bareminimumto protect their workers.

Like current law, the bill still allows for lawsuits in instances of “reckless disregard of the consequences or intentional or willful or wanton misconduct.”

Senate President Larry Obhof, a Medina Republican, said Wednesday the bill is “a big step in the right direction in terms of helping Ohio reopen its economy.”

The bill was approved by the Ohio House late last May and then changed and approved by the Senate in June. It languished for months before the House picked it up again thisweek so the two chambers could work out their differences.

It nowrequires DeWine’s signature to become law. DeWine has said he supports the concept behind the bill.