Alliance Applauds Legislators, Governor for Passing COVID-19 Liability Protection

Governor Tony Evers has signed Special Session Senate Bill 1 into law, which protects businesses, schools, nonprofits and others from COVID-19 litigation. The bill also begins the process of upgrading the state’s unemployment computer infrastructure.

Since last summer, the Alliance has advocated for COVID-19 liability protection for organizations, and it is one of the top priorities in the Alliance’s 2021 Policy Agenda.

In addition to direct lobbying efforts on behalf of our members, the Alliance joined a coalition of more than 70 organizations around the state, led by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, urging the legislature and Governor to pass state-level liability protections.

“We applaud Wisconsin lawmakers and Governor Evers for providing COVID-19 liability protections for businesses, schools, nonprofits and others. Employers are working to bring back family-supporting jobs and serve their customers and employees, while taking numerous steps to follow local and national guidance to keep people safe,” said Suzanne Kelley, president & CEO of the Alliance.

“Wisconsin’s economy is reopening, but many businesses and other Main Street institutions like nonprofits and schools have been concerned about the vulnerability to lawsuits for COVID-19 outbreaks beyond their control or otherwise for which they are not responsible,” Kelley said.  

The Senate passed the bill 27-3, and the Assembly approved it 89-0. The Governor signed it into law on Thursday, Feb. 25.