As part of NFIB, or the National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Day, NFIB members here in Missouri engaged with lawmakers about issues that will help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. At top of mind was passing important legislation that would protect small business owners from frivolous lawsuits linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, as small businesses focus on keeping their employees and customers safe from the pandemic, the last thing they need is the threat of an unfounded, threatening lawsuit. Our small business owners were encouraged to hear from Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe’s pledge to help pass this important legislation. 

We encourage you to contact your Representative and urge them to pass COVID liability.

“Missouri’s 2021 Small Business Day was encouraging to many of our small business owners across the state. The past year has been devastating for many of our entrepreneurs here in Missouri,” said Brad Jones, NFIB State Director in Missouri. “The COVID-19 pandemic has hit small business owners especially hard. Many are looking to state legislators and the governor for help as they struggle to recover. During our 2021 Small Business Day, NIFB members were encouraged to hear from Lt. Gov. Kehoe and his promise to for liability protections for small business owners here in Missouri to become law.”

The Missouri Senate has passed legislation shielding small businesses, health care professional and first responders from lawsuits resulting from COVID-19 exposure. Senate Bill 51 also provides product liability protections to certain manufacturers that produced PPE and other safety products in response to the pandemic.

“One thing that is near and dear to my heart is COVID liability reform. We’ve been talking about it since COVID was first raised. It’s to give your businesses added protection against someone who might want to come across with litigation on the wrong reasons against your business,” said Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe.

Small business owners here in Missouri are thankful to Senator Tony Luetkemeyer and Rep. Bruce DeGroot for their efforts in moving the bill forward.

“For various reasons that did bill not pass in special session last year, so that became a top priority when we came back into session in January. The Governor noted in his State of the State that this is his number one priority – making sure that a COVID liability bill crosses his desk. I was able to file the bill at the beginning of session and look forward to progressing the bill quickly through this process,” said Sen. Luetkemeyer.