Bill > SB51

This bill establishes provisions relating to civil actions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. It introduces new sections in Chapter 537 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, defining key terms and setting standards for three types of COVID-19-related civil actions: COVID-19 exposure actions, COVID-19 medical liability actions, and COVID-19 products liability actions. The bill limits liability for individuals and entities engaged in businesses, services, activities, or accommodations, health care providers, and those who design, manufacture, or distribute COVID-19-related products, unless they can be shown to have engaged in reckless or willful misconduct. The bill also sets time limits for filing these types of lawsuits and preempts certain state laws, while preserving other causes of action related to the pandemic.