Legislators are pressing ahead with proposals aimed at protecting healthcare providers, businesses, schools, and non-profits from being sued in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Three bills have been filed in the Senate and House that would protect those providing services or goods, and in good faith have abided by all advice to keep people safe during the pandemic.
Among those potentially protected against exposure covered are health care workers, manufacturers, schools and churches.
Gov. Mike Parson has said he strongly favors the enactment of liability protection against claims arising from the pandemic.
However, some are arguing that any protection offered should not be so broad as to protect companies that put workers at risk and did not abide by national and state safety guidance.
The Rural Community Workers Alliance, a Missouri-based group, has claimed workers in meat packing plants were unnecessarily put at risk during the pandemic.
SB 42 was filed by Sen. William White (R-Joplin), and a hearing is taking place today (Tuesday) before the chamber's Judiciary Committee.
Rep. Ed Lewis (R-Moberly), the lead sponsor of HB 759 bill in the House, said he was informed by his decades working as a school teacher, and his continued contacts with his district.
"I know my school district and, like many, the schools do want to be open in-person...but they are terrified of somebody suing," Rep. Lewis told the St. Louis Record. "It is making them afraid, and for no purpose. Businesses are the same way."
Lewis added: "I wanted to provide them with some protection, to make it a pretty high bar for someone to sue."
They could only face a potentially successful suit if it can be shown they were wilfully negligent, Lewis said.
And plaintiffs would have to show that they personally were physically harmed by the actions of defendants, the representative said.
"What I am trying to do with the bill is that it says specifically this is about COVID liability, and that it will sunset in 2024," Lewis said. "I would like it to be fast-tracked, and put into effect immediately after enactment."
However, the representative did note that there is a much larger number of bills filed this session, largely caused by the backlog left by the shortened session last year caused by the pandemic.