Gov. Eric Holcomb (R-I.N.) signed a new bill into law late Feb. 18, which will provide civil immunity to Hoosier manufacturers and businesses who have struggled with the Covid pandemic aftermath.
Senate Bill 1 is essential in giving employers the confidence to reopen and invest in their companies, the Indiana Manufactures Association (IMA) stated. The bill provides civil tort immunity, prohibiting class action lawsuits for Covid-related damages including those resulting from the manufacturing, distribution or donation of protective products.
“Whether you are a business working keep employees safe or a manufacturer that shifted production to meet the demands for personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, medicines or other critical products, this bill gives assurance that you will not also have to spend resources fending off lawsuits,” IMA’s President and CEO Brian Burton said.
The bill goes into effect immediately and is retroactive until March 1. The law is currently set to expire Dec. 31, 2024.
Covid liability protections have been an association priority this session, Burton said. IMA issued a statement Feb. 19 that specifically recognized and thanked Holcomb and other legislatures for moving the bill forward.
