Missouri Passes Bill Shielding Businesses from COVID-19 Liability
A legislative session that began amid a surge in coronavirus cases ended May 14 with Missouri lawmakers passing a legal shield against pandemic-related liability lawsuits as their final action.
The House vote, taken barely five minutes before adjourning, gives Republican Gov. Mike Parson a priority bill that he had been calling on lawmakers to pass for six months. But even if Parson signs it quickly, the legislation won’t take effect until Aug. 28.
The legislation would prohibit COVID-19 liability lawsuits against businesses and health care providers unless plaintiffs can prove they were exposed and sickened by the coronavirus and that the entity engaged in “reckless or willful misconduct.”