By Louise Esola

Louisiana lawmakers are considering a bill that would limit liability on several fronts during the COVID-19 public emergency, limiting the ability for people to sue businesses over virus exposure.

H.B. 826, which passed the state House unanimously on Friday and was read in the Senate on Wednesday, bars gross negligence and willful misconduct liability for people who own real estate or premises, entities or people who provide assistance or advice to the public, those who work in health care or aid in emergencies, those who work in government, and those who distribute, manufacture or aid in applying personal protective equipment.

Also barred from suing are employees covered by workers compensation unless exposure to COVID-19 was caused by “an intentional act,” according to the bill.

More insurance and risk management news on the coronavirus crisis here.