COVID liability protections for businesses, nonprofit organizations, health care providers, first responders and educational institutions is one step closer to becoming law. Yesterday, the Texas Senate passed the Pandemic Liability Protection Act (Senate Bill 6) by Sen. Kelly Hancock with a 29-1 vote. The bill now goes over to the Texas House.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented devastating public health and economic challenges for the San Antonio region. Businesses continue to struggle to navigate the financial and operational challenges of the pandemic while addressing the needs of their employers, customers, and suppliers. While the development and distribution of vaccines gives new hope for a future free of the crushing social and economic effects of the virus, the threat of unfair litigation continues to loom. COVID-19- related lawsuits and their consequent exorbitant legal costs could deter entities from reopening and could ultimately cripple businesses, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations both large and small.
President and CEO Richard testified before the Senate Business and Commerce Committee last month, emphasizing that the bill would provide support to those businesses making reasonable efforts to comply with applicable government standards and public health guidance.
According to Senate Bill 6, liability protections would be retroactive to the start to the coronavirus and lifted once it ends, meaning the protections could last for months or even years. The liability shield is the Chamber’s top legislative priority, and we believe this is a step in the right direction to decreases the threat of frivolous lawsuits.
Now that the Texas Legislature is in full swing, your Chamber is busy advocating for other important legislative priorities important to the San Antonio business community. For a complete recap of the Chamber’s advocacy efforts this week, please look out for The Advocate e-newsletter going out on Monday. For more information, please contact Stephanie Reyes, VP of Public Policy at sreyes@sachamber.org or by phone at 210-229-2162.
