Good Samaritan Expansion Bill Signed into Law

COLUMBUS – State Representative Adam Holmes (R-Nashport) announced House Bill 606 has been signed into law by the governor.

House Bill 606, otherwise known as the Good Samaritan Expansion Bill, protects individuals, schools, healthcare professionals and businesses from unforeseen liability arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was passed out of the Ohio House of Representatives on September 2 with Holmes as a “yes” vote.

“Ohioans deserve top-notch protection during uncertain times like these and this legislation provides our frontline workers with those necessary protections,” said Holmes. “I applaud the sponsor of this bill, my friend and colleague Rep. Diane Grendell, and look forward to seeing the positive impacts this bill brings to our state.”

The Good Samaritan Expansion Bill ensures civil immunity to individuals, schools, the health care community, and businesses from lawsuits arising out of the pandemic. Health care providers are immune for the actions, omissions, decisions or compliance with government orders unless it constitutes reckless disregard for life or health of the patient.

While businesses, individuals, and families receive immunity for the transmission, contraction, or exposure to SARS, MERS, COVID-19 or any mutation unless they are reckless, participate in willful and wanton, or intentional misconduct. The bill applies to acts, omissions, conduct, decisions, or compliance.

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For more information, contact Rep. Holmes’s office at (614) 644-6014 or rep97@ohiohouse.gov