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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce supports–and helped draft–a bill that would limit COVID-19 lawsuits except for intentional exposure.
The bill is HB 1046. It passed the state House and goes to the Senate Judiciary Committee for a hearing Thursday.
The bill says, in part, “A person may not bring or maintain any action or claim for damages or relief alleging exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19 unless the exposure results in a COVID-19 diagnosis and the exposure is the result of intentional exposure with the intent to transmit COVID-19. In alleging intentional exposure with the intent to transmit COVID-19, a party shall state with particularity the circumstances constituting intentional exposure with the intent to transmit COVID-19 including all duty, breach, and intent elements and establish all elements by clear and convincing evidence.”
In its weekly newsletter, the chamber says the “bill seeks to provide specific protection to first responders, health care professionals, health care providers, public health guidance, corporations, employers and other employer related entities.”
The Chamber joined a large working group over the summer/fall to draft HB 1046.
To read the bill click here.
