Gov. John Bel Edwards has signed into law three measures aimed at protecting employers from frivolous lawsuits stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
House Bill 826 and Senate Bills 491 and 508 took effect immediately and are retroactive to March 11.
“This legislation provides much-needed peace of mind for Louisiana’s small businesses,” NFIB State Director Dawn Starns said.
- H.B. 826 bars people from suing businesses, government agencies, trade show organizers, and event planners unless they can prove gross negligence or willful misconduct.
- S.B. 491 offers the same protections to people and businesses who donate services and products such as hand sanitizer and protective clothing or sell such supplies “outside the typical course and scope of their operations.”
- S.B. 508 protects restaurant owners and employees as long as they comply with local, state, and federal regulations concerning the coronavirus.
