House Bill 606 gives us peace of mind as we work to reopen.

Employers can gain some peace of mind after Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill to prevent lawsuits that claim injury, death or loss to person or property because of COVID-19. As we work together to bring back jobs and re-open schools, this legislation is an important layer of protection.

Known as the “Good Samaritan Expansion Bill,” Ohio House Bill 606 (H.B. 606) passed in the House and Senate on Sept. 7 and moved to the governor’s office to sign into law a week later, on Sept. 14. 

The law’s far-reaching protection extends to entities and individuals who provide essential services, including:

• Healthcare providers
• Businesses, including corporations
• Schools
• Individuals
• Business trusts
• Estates
• Partnerships
• Associations
• For-profit and non-profit organizations
• Governmental entities
• Religious institutions
• Higher education

The legislation was triggered by an escalating amount of COVID-19-related employment lawsuits and is a major step forward in stopping frivolous litigious activity. Essential workers and entities that are acting in good faith and following COVID-19 social distancing and sanitary protocols deserve to be protected from individuals looking to blame someone for them contracting the virus.

At The Fedeli Group, we are pleased to see this legislation in place and believe it will greatly benefit our clients, communities and partners as we focus on regaining economic stability while preserving health and safety. Have questions about the bill and what it means for you as an employer? Please reach out to us any time. We are here to help.