US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB93

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

Protecting Businesses From Frivolous COVID Lawsuits Act of 2023 This bill requires a specific jury instruction in a federal civil action for damages based on negligence arising from the transmission of COVID-19. Specifically, a court must instruct the jury that negligence may not be found solely on the basis of holding oneself open for business.

Impact

If passed, HB 93 would profoundly impact how negligence claims are evaluated in federal courts concerning COVID-19 cases. By establishing a specific jury instruction, the bill seeks to reduce the success of such lawsuits against businesses by delineating criteria under which negligence can be proven. This change could deter future frivolous lawsuits, promoting a more favorable operating environment for businesses that reopened during the pandemic crisis.

Summary

House Bill 93, known as the 'Protecting Businesses From Frivolous COVID Lawsuits Act of 2023,' is a legislative measure aimed at addressing the legal landscape for businesses that faced lawsuits related to COVID-19. The bill stipulates that in any federal civil action alleging negligence arising from the transmission of COVID-19, the jury must be instructed on the standard of liability to ensure a fair assessment of such claims. Specifically, the bill emphasizes that opening a business should be considered reasonable as a matter of law, reinforcing protections for businesses operating during the pandemic.

Contention

The proposition of this bill is likely to stimulate debates regarding the balance between public health responsibilities and business protections. Proponents argue that it is necessary to shield businesses from undue liability that arose when they followed public health guidelines while navigating the complexities of operating during a pandemic. However, opponents may be concerned that it could weaken protections for consumers who may have been harmed due to negligent practices by businesses amid the COVID-19 crisis. The nuanced discussion will center around both the business community's need for security and the public's right to feel safe and protected.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB99

Protecting Businesses From Frivolous COVID Lawsuits Act of 2025This bill requires a specific jury instruction in a federal civil action for damages based on negligence arising from the transmission of COVID-19.Specifically, a court must instruct the jury that negligence may not be found solely on the basis of holding oneself open for business.

US HB117

This bill prohibits any entity that receives specified COVID-19 relief funds from mandating COVID-19 vaccines for its employees. An entity that violates this prohibition must return the funding it received.

US HB100

Protect the Gig Economy Act of 2025This bill expands the list of preliminary requirements that must be satisfied before a class action lawsuit may be brought in federal court.Specifically, before a party may bring a class action lawsuit in federal court, the court must first determine that a new, fifth requirement has been met: that the claim does not allege misclassification of employees as independent contractors.

US HB7328

Protecting Small Businesses from Predatory Website Lawsuits Act

US SB463

Prohibiting certain persons from recovering damages in certain civil actions and creating requirements for actions involving negligent security.

US HB118

No Vaccine Passports Act This bill prohibits certain actions related to vaccine passports and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, a federal agency may not issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying the COVID-19 vaccination status of a U.S. citizen to a third party, or otherwise publish or share any COVID-19 vaccination record of a U.S. citizen or similar health information. Additionally, proof of COVID-19 vaccination shall not be required to access federal or congressional property or services.

US HB121

No Vaccine Passports Act This bill prohibits certain actions related to vaccine passports and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Specifically, a federal agency may not issue a vaccine passport, vaccine pass, or other standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying the COVID-19 vaccination status of a U.S. citizen to a third party, or otherwise publish or share any COVID-19 vaccination record of a U.S. citizen or similar health information. Additionally, proof of COVID-19 vaccination shall not be required to access federal or congressional property or services.

US HB125

Travel Mask Mandate Repeal Act of 2023 This bill prohibits federal agencies from mandating the use of masks or face coverings on planes, trains, buses, and other public conveyances and at transportation hubs to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Specifically, the bill nullifies (1) the rule issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on January 29, 2021, that mandates such use of masks or face coverings; and (2) orders and directives of the Transportation Security Administration that relate to the CDC rule.

US HB825

Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters ActThis bill prohibits individuals convicted of certain financial crimes from receiving assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA).Specifically, the bill prohibits individuals who have been convicted of a crime involving financial misconduct or a false statement with respect to certain COVID-19 loans (e.g., Paycheck Protection Program loans, Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants, and Shuttered Venue Operators grants) from receiving any financial assistance from the SBA (other than a disaster loan).The prohibition includes SBA assistance to small businesses that have an owner, officer, director, or key employee who has been convicted of such a crime.

US HB455

Protecting Higher Education from Foreign Threats Act This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) from receiving federal funds for an award year in which the IHE employs an instructor who, while employed at the IHE and providing direct instruction to students, received funds from the Chinese Community Party. An IHE may regain eligibility for federal funds by demonstrating to the Department of Education that it no longer employs such instructor.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.