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Bill > S495
NJ S495
NJ S495Establishes immunity for businesses against damage claims for COVID-19 exposure; excludes reckless or intentional conduct.
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides immunity to businesses against claims for damage to individuals arising out of exposure to the COVID-19 at premises owned or operated by the employer, or during activity managed by the employer. The immunity provided in the bill is in addition to any other immunity protections under state or federal law. The immunity provided in this bill shall not apply to willful misconduct, reckless infliction of harm or the intentional infliction of harm. Under the bill "employer" includes any individual, partnership, association, corporation, business trust, legal representative or any organized group of persons acting directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer in its relations to employees. It is the sponsor's view that establishing immunity for businesses against claims for damage to individuals arising out of exposure to COVID-19 will aid in restoring strength and vitality to the economy, a key objective, by removing the risk of costly actions for damage arising from exposure to the virus. With that view in mind, the immunity of the bill extends to include employees and patrons of businesses, except where reckless or intentional conduct is involved.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "New Jersey COVID-19 related Business Immunity Act," establishes that businesses are generally protected from lawsuits seeking damages for individuals who claim they were exposed to COVID-19 (the respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus) on the business's property or during an activity managed by the business. This protection, which applies to employees and patrons, is in addition to any other legal immunities businesses might already have. However, this immunity does not apply if the business engaged in willful misconduct, recklessly caused harm, or intentionally caused harm. The bill defines "employer" broadly to include various business structures and individuals acting on their behalf, and "premises" as real property and any attached buildings or structures. The intention behind this legislation is to boost the economy by reducing the financial risk businesses face from COVID-19 exposure claims, thereby encouraging economic recovery.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S495 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/495_I1.HTM |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S0500/495_I1.HTM |
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