NFIB State Director Nathan Humphrey released the following statement today on House Bill 112, which passed the House by a vote of 99-68:

“HB 112 extends the sunset on the COVID-19 liability protections for small businesses for another year. NFIB and our small business members applaud the House for passing this important legislation that will ensure businesses have the confidence to open and run their business without fear that the coronavirus can be weaponized in the form of frivolous lawsuits. 

“Bad actors absolutely should be held liable, but small businesses that follow the government’s guidelines and take the steps necessary to protect their customers and employees from this deadly virus should be protected from baseless claims.”

Rep. Kasey Carpenter, a small business owner and NFIB member from Dalton, gave an emotional speech in support of the bill on the House floor. He rebuffed claims that small business owners are uncaring and said the legislation is necessary to safeguard employers from lawsuits that could put them out of business and leave workers without a job.