SAFE TO WORK Act

Bill: 116-hr-8832
Sponsor: Rep. Comer, James [R-KY-1]
Introduced: 2020-12-02 in the House
Policy area: Law
Subjects: 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
State and local government operations
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2020-12-02
text: 

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.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-12-02
text: 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.
action_date: 2020-12-02
text: 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.
action_date: 2020-12-02
text: 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.
action_date: 2020-12-02
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-12-02
text: Introduced in House