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Statehouse News Bureau

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COVID Lawsuit Immunity Bill Passes Ohio House, Without Much Democratic Support

By Karen Kasler

Published September 2, 2020 at 1:35 PM EDT

The House was in session for the first time since July. Masks are not required in the House chamber. Most Democrats wear them and many Republicans do not. [Karen Kasler / Statehouse News Bureau] — The House was in session for the first time since July. Masks are not required in the House chamber. Most Democrats wear them and many Republicans do not.

Ohio lawmakers are sending to Gov. Mike DeWine a bill that would shield first responders, businesses and schools from COVID-19 related lawsuits.

The measure passed the House overwhelmingly in May, but this time Democrats had serious concerns about the Senate's changes.

Rep. Rick Carfagna (R-Westerville) said the bill will help law enforcement, medical professionals and schools, but also smaller businesses like restaurants that are following coronavirus safety guidelines.

“It’s a shot in the arm that gives positive reinforcement to responsible behavior," Carfagna said.

But Democrats, including Rep. Jeffrey Crossman (D-Parma), said the Senate stripped out language they wanted to grant quick workers compensation benefits for people who get COVID-19 on the job.

“In the midst of a pandemic we should be doing all we can to keep people safe, not lowering the bar in terms of how we do our business," Crossman said in an interview.

The measure's sponsor, Rep. Diane Grendell (R-Geauga County), called it a "good Samaritan bill," which will protect people and businesses from what she called frivolous lawsuits. But she said it only shields those that are following state cleanliness guidelines and wouldn't help those who are reckless or intentionally negligent.

Crossman disagrees, saying the bill wouldn't keep workers, students and other safe and that "it discourages best practices."

Four Democrats voted for the bill: Reps. Jack Cera (D-Bellaire), Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park), John Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake) and Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton).

The bill now goes on DeWine, who has hinted he’ll sign it.