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Protecting Businesses from COVID Lawsuits: New Negligence Standards.

This bill introduces specific jury instructions for federal civil lawsuits seeking damages for negligence related to COVID-19 transmission. The changes aim to protect businesses by stating that the act of opening a business during the pandemic cannot, by itself, be considered negligent. Citizens suing businesses must prove negligence based on specific actions or inactions, rather than just the fact that the business was operating.
Key points
In COVID-19 negligence lawsuits, the jury must be instructed that merely operating a business is legally considered a reasonable act.
A business cannot be found negligent solely because it was open to the public.
Plaintiffs must prove negligence based on the "reasonable person standard" regarding specific conduct, not the decision to open.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_93
Sponsor: Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]
Process start date: 2023-01-09
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Protecting Businesses From Frivolous COVID Lawsuits Act of 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_93.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-01-09.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • In COVID-19 negligence lawsuits, the jury must be instructed that merely operating a business is legally considered a reasonable act.
  • A business cannot be found negligent solely because it was open to the public.
  • Plaintiffs must prove negligence based on the "reasonable person standard" regarding specific conduct, not the decision to open.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Economy Health