STATEHOUSE (Jan. 28, 2021) – The House Judiciary Committee today voted to advance a bill co-authored by State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) providing businesses, schools and health care entities with civil liability protections related to COVID-19.
Jeter said this legislation would provide temporary immunity to Hoosier companies from lawsuits alleging someone was exposed to, or contracted, COVID-19 at the business or where a service was provided. According to a survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent businesses, 55% of Hoosier small businesses considered the possibility of pandemic-related legal action a concern. Jeter said an exception to this protection would be if the entity was accused of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
"Businesses have been struggling throughout this pandemic, and the last thing they need is to get hit with a frivolous lawsuit that could deepen their financial struggles," Jeter said. "We must support Hoosier employers as they lead Indiana’s economic comeback."
Jeter said this bill does not cover non-COVID-19-related claims and it does not let facilities off the hook if they fail to meet the proper standard of care to patients. Defendants who are grossly negligent, commit willful misconduct, or intentional misrepresentation would not be protected by this legislation.
HB 1002 now heads to the full House of Representatives for further consideration. For more information about this legislation, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Marion, Hamilton and Hancock counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
