Civil Immunity - House Bill 606

9/11/2020

 
House Bill (HB) 606 has been sent to Governor DeWine for signature. The version of the bill approved by the House and Senate last week provides immunity through September 30, 2021 for schools, health-care providers and other employers against lawsuits related to the transmission of the coronavirus.
 
While Ohio’s sovereign immunity laws under ORC Chapter 2744 afford school districts extensive liability coverage, HB 606 provides an additional protection by specifically noting that there is “no cause for action” if a student, staff member, or visitor contracts the virus. However, HB 606 still allows for claims of "reckless disregard of the consequences or intentional or willful or wanton misconduct."

Click here for the LSC Analysis and Fiscal Notes.