Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a bill into law shielding first responders, businesses and schools from COVID-19 related lawsuits.
Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.
The law’s sponsors say it will provide immunity for law enforcement, medical professionals and large and small businesses from lawsuits over things like cleanliness guidelines or decisions on medical care, as long as there’s no reckless or intentional conduct. At the virtual signing ceremony, Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted said it goes beyond just health care facilities, fire and police, and restaurants and stores.
“This is not just about business; it’s about schools, it’s about not-for-profits, it’s all of us who are trying to do the right things but also need that predictability.”
Many Democrats opposed the bill after the Senate stripped out language that would allow first responders, food workers and corrections employees to qualify for workers' compensation benefits right away. But Republicans have said the BWC is covering most of those cases. The law expires at the end of the year.
