The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has released a survey that shows 70% of America’s small business owners are concerned about unfounded COVID-19 lawsuits being brought against their companies.
The survey was conducted among some of its 325,000-member businesses.
In Alabama, State Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) has introduced a bill that would grant civil immunity to any institution that would prevent a person from suing because they claim to have been infected with COVID-19 on the business’ premises.
“The reasonable measures provided in Senator Orr’s bill would protect businesses struggling to keep their doors open from the risk and expense of lawsuits associated with COVID-19,” said NFIB state director Rosemary Elebash in a statement.
In a speech made to assembled representatives on Tuesday, McCutcheon said he is not inclined to break the commitment to bringing up only budgets and local legislation that he, Governor Kay Ivey and Senate Pro Tem Del Marsh (R-Anniston) agreed upon when legislators resumed their coronavirus-addled session.
The NFIB is urging Alabama House Speaker Mac McCutcheon (R-Monrovia) to reconsider his stance that the lower chamber will only consider the state’s budgets and local legislation.
“Our members understand that lawmakers on a tight schedule because of the pandemic, but this is critical legislation that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later,” said Elebash of the speaker’s position.
McCutcheon, who has in past comments indicated favorability to the idea of immunity for businesses, does not believe the legislature should take up additional bills while the statehouse is restricted from public access.
“As small business owners across America begin the process of reopening, it’s imperative that we establish protections from the threat of lawsuits that exploit the already damaging effects of COVID-19,” said Karen Harned, executive director of the NFIB Small Business Legal Center.
The NFIB has also issued four Liability Protection Principles that can be read here.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95
