News

COVID Immunity Lawsuit Bill Heads To DeWine Without Comp Benefits

By: Karen Kasler | Statehouse News Bureau
Posted on: Wednesday, September 2, 2020

State lawmakers have sent on to Gov. Mike DeWine a bill to shield first responders, businesses and schools from COVID-19 related lawsuits. The bill had passed the House overwhelmingly in May, but this time Democrats had serious concerns with how the Senate changed it.

Rep. Rick Carfagna (R-Westerville) said the bill helps law enforcement, medical professionals and schools, but also smaller businesses like restaurants that are following coronavirus safety guidelines.

“It’s a shot in the arm that gives positive reinforcement to responsible behavior,” Carfagna said.

The House was in session for the first time since July. Masks are not required in the House chamber. Most Democrats wear them and many Republicans do not. [Karen Kasler]

But Democrats including Rep. Jeffrey Crossman (D-Parma) said the Senate stripped out language they wanted to grant quick workers’ compensation benefits for people who get COVID-19 on the job.“In the midst of a pandemic we should be doing all we can to keep people safe, not lowering the bar in terms of how we do our business,” Crossman said in an interview after session.Sponsor Diane Grendell (R-Geauga County) called it a “good Samaritan bill”, which she said will protect those entities from what she called frivolous lawsuits. But she said it only shields those that are following state cleanliness guidelines and wouldn’t help those who are reckless or intentionally negligent. Crossman said he disagrees, saying it doesn’t keep workers, students and other safe and that “it discourages best practices”.

Four Democrats voted for the bill: Reps. Jack Cera (D-Bellaire), Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park), John Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake) and Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton).

The bill goes on to Gov. Mike DeWine, who has hinted he’ll sign it.