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HR 8832 116th Congress House Law Administrative law and regulatory procedures Cardiovascular and respiratory health Civil actions and liability Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation Emergency medical services and trauma care Evidence and witnesses Federal district courts Federal preemption Federal-Indian relations Health care quality Health personnel Health technology, devices, supplies Infectious and parasitic diseases Judicial procedure and administration Jurisdiction and venue Legal fees and court costs Medical tests and diagnostic methods Product safety and quality Self-employed

SAFE TO WORK Act

Introduced: December 2, 2020 Introduced by: Comer, James Republican · Kentucky See on congress.gov
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 Everywhere this bill has been 2 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Dec 2, 2020
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Dec 2, 2020
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Safeguarding America's Frontline Employees To Offer Work Opportunities Required to Kickstart the Economy Act or the SAFE TO WORK Act

This bill limits liability for injuries related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).

Generally, an individual alleging harm from exposure to coronavirus or related medical treatment occurring before October 1, 2024, may sue only under the causes of action created by this bill, with limited exceptions. However, the bill does not preempt any law that imposes stricter limits on liability or otherwise provides greater protections to defendants.

An individual or entity engaged in business or other activities may be liable for injuries resulting from coronavirus exposure only if the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that (1) the defendant did not make reasonable efforts to comply with government standards and guidance, (2) the defendant's actions constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct, and (3) actual exposure caused the plaintiff's injury. (The clear and convincing evidence standard is a higher standard of proof than is typically required in a civil action.)

Similarly, a health care provider may be liable for injuries connected to coronavirus-related services only if the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that (1) the provider's actions constituted gross negligence or willful misconduct, and (2) such actions directly caused the injury.

The bill also contains various coronavirus-related protections for defendants, including protections that (1) exempt an employer or operator of public accommodations that meets certain requirements from liability under certain federal laws, (2) impose limitations on coronavirus-related class action lawsuits, and (3) limit liability for certain injuries related to workplace coronavirus testing.

What's happening now December 2, 2020

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3