NFIB Thanks Indiana Senate for Passing Important Small Business Issue

NFIB, or the National Federation of Independent Business, the leading small business organization in Indiana, applauds the Indiana House for passing important COVID-19 liability reform. This afternoon, the House passed Senate Bill 1, a measure that would protect struggling small business owners from frivolous from lawsuit happy lawyers looking to make a quick buck.

“I’m glad to see that Liability Protection for Indiana’s beleaguered small businesses is on its way toward passage,” said Barbara Quandt, NFIB State Director in Indiana. “In the midst of this devastating COVID recession, they need all the help they can get. Here’s how dire the situation is: according to a recent NFIB survey, if economic conditions don’t improve in the next six months, one in four mom and pop shops here in Indiana will close their doors for good.”

The liability protection in SB 1 would not apply to small businesses that exhibited gross misconduct or negligence. The protection would only apply to those that follow federal, state and local guidance. Therefore, if a business makes a good faith effort to follow guidelines to safeguard employees and customers, that Indiana small business should be protected from frivolous lawsuits.

Small businesses are particularly sensitive to unmerited legal action. Even when an Indiana small business owner does everything correctly, simply fighting such a lawsuit could put the viability of their business in danger. These lawsuits can be extremely costly to a small business owner, financially and emotionally.

This legislation is a no-brainer. Small businesses create most of Indiana’s new jobs. It only makes sense to protect them from frivolous legal action.