The Michigan Chamber’s push to pass COVID-19 liability protections for businesses continues.
Wendy Block, Vice President of Business Advocacy and Member Engagement, explained the need for the legislation to the Senate Economic and Small Business Development Committee. Block testified on behalf of the Michigan Chamber and 45 other organizations, ranging from local chambers of commerce to associations representing nonprofits, businesses, schools, colleges and universities in support of temporary, targeted and commonsense legislation.
The bills would incentivize job providers and others who follow the rules (i.e., public health guidance, Executive Orders and the like). It tells businesses that, if they take reasonable steps to follow the rules, they will be protected against baseless lawsuits. The legislation also says “thank you” to those businesses that stepped up during the pandemic, producing everything from hand sanitizer to masks to ventilators, by shielding them from liability in many situations.
Similar reforms are gaining momentum in states around the country—and in Congress. We are hopeful that the House and Senate will take a vote on the bills in the coming weeks.