Jones, Ohio House Passes Legislation to Protect Ohioans

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives yesterday approved legislation protecting health care providers, first responders, schools, small businesses and others from frivolous lawsuits stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, announced State Representative Don Jones (R-Freeport).

“House Bill 606 is the most recent measure Ohio legislative leaders have taken to ensure Ohio can safely reopen in the midst of COVID-19,” said Jones. “I applaud my colleagues who supported this essential legislation to protect Ohioans and get us moving on the right path to fully reopen our state.”

House Bill 606, also known as the Good Samaritan Expansion Bill, provides immunity to health care providers, schools, local governments, businesses and others from lawsuits stemming from the pandemic, unless those individuals or entities are reckless or engage in intentional misconduct. The legislation received extensive support from a wide range of trade associations, including the state’s largest associations representing large and small businesses, agriculture, public schools, local governments, hospitals and health care providers.

The bill is intended to provide peace of mind that Ohio’s healthcare workers, hospitals, schools, businesses and other are protected from unnecessary and costly lawsuits.

The bill applies to acts, omissions, conduct, decisions, or compliance from the date of the Governor’s Executive Order, 2020-01D, issued on March 9, 2020, declaring a state of emergency due to COVID-19, through September 30, 2021.

The House approved the measure following a brief conference committee. Once approved by the Senate, it will go to Governor Mike DeWine for his review.

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For more information, contact Rep Jones’s office at (614) 644-8728 or rep95@ohiohouse.gov