Senate Passes Bill Protecting Ohio Businesses From COVID-19 Litigation

COLUMBUS—State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) today announced the Senate’s passage of legislation ensuring Ohio's businesses and healthcare providers will not face unnecessary and expensive litigation stemming from COVID-19. “Our economy was rocked by forced business closures, a direct result of the Governor’s orders related to the current pandemic," Roegner said. "As businesses valiantly attempt to reopen, we need to ensure that businesses can reopen with confidence of qualified civil immunity. Senate Bill 308 provides that necessary immunity.” While entities have traditionally not been held liable for the transmission of airborne viruses because it is difficult to prove where infection occurred, the incredibly difficult and unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic left many important liability questions unanswered. Senate Bill 308 aims to clearly answer these liability questions: unless a person is acting recklessly or with intentional conduct to spread SARS-CoV2, the business will not be liable for tort actions related to COVID-19. The bill now moves to the Ohio House for further consideration. Learn more about S.B. 308 by clicking here.