Protect Those on Front Lines of Pandemic from Needless Lawsuits
The Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform (PCCJR) urges Governor Tom Wolf to sign a much needed Covid-19 liability protection bill, HB 1737, after it passed both chambers of the General Assembly this week.
“Pennsylvanians are working overtime and then some to get our state through the Covid-19 crisis, the least Governor Wolf can do is put into place the safe harbor protections our heroes deserve,” said PCCJR Executive Director Curt Schroder.
HB 1731 provides Covid-19 liability protection to healthcare practitioners and facilities, manufacturers of personal protective equipment, as well as protection from exposure claims for those following health guidelines. In addition to healthcare and businesses large and small, the bill protects schools, colleges and universities, childcare centers, and local governments.
The legislation also contains liability protection for those engaged in agritourism activities.
HB 1737 was amended Thursday night, November 19, by the Senate to include the liability protection language supported by the Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform (PCCJR) contained in SB 1239. To see how Senators voted, click here. The House concurred in the Senate Amendments Friday afternoon, November 20 by a vote of 104-98. To see how House members voted, click here.
The PCCJR thanked all of the Senate and House members who supported liability protection.
“This is much-needed temporary relief from opportunistic lawsuits that seek to take advantage of the Covid-19 emergency,” said Schroder. “I want to thank the legislature for recognizing the urgency and need for this legislation. We urge Governor Wolf to recognize that this legislation is an essential ingredient to revitalize Pennsylvania’s economy as we work our way through the pandemic. We urge him to sign HB 1737 to support all those working on the frontlines of the Covid-19 crisis.
PCCJR also notes that HB 1737 does not provide blanket immunity. Bad actors will still be held accountable. The liability protections provided by the bill are targeted, narrow in scope, and temporary.
Schroder urged Pennsylvanians to contact Governor Wolf at 717-787-2500 and urge him to sign HB 1737.
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The Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform is a 501(c )(6), not-for-profit, nonpartisan advocacy organization comprised of a diverse group of organizations and individuals committed to bringing fairness to Pennsylvania’s courts by raising awareness of civil justice issues and advocating for legal reform. Additional information is available at https://paforciviljusticereform.org, https://www.facebook.com/paciviljustice/ or https://twitter.com/paciviljustice
CONTACT: Curt Schroder, 610.389.4293 or curt@pccjr.org