To require a particular jury instruction in Federal civil actions that include a claim for damages based on negligence arising from the transmission of COVID-19.

2/1/2025, 9:06 AM

Protecting Businesses From Frivolous COVID Lawsuits Act of 2025

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.

Bill 119 HR 99, also known as the "COVID-19 Liability Protection Act," aims to address negligence claims related to the transmission of COVID-19 in Federal civil actions. The bill proposes a specific jury instruction that must be given in cases where a claim for damages is based on negligence stemming from the transmission of the virus.

The purpose of this legislation is to provide clarity and guidance to juries when considering cases involving COVID-19 transmission. By requiring a specific jury instruction, the bill seeks to ensure that jurors are properly informed about the legal standards and considerations relevant to these types of cases.

The bill does not seek to limit or restrict individuals' ability to seek damages for negligence related to COVID-19 transmission. Instead, it aims to provide a framework for evaluating these claims in a consistent and fair manner. Overall, Bill 119 HR 99 represents an effort to address the legal complexities surrounding COVID-19 negligence claims and to promote transparency and fairness in the adjudication of these cases in Federal civil actions.
Congress
119

Number
HR - 99

Introduced on
2025-01-03

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Protecting Businesses From Frivolous COVID Lawsuits Act of 2025

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.

Bill 119 HR 99, also known as the "COVID-19 Liability Protection Act," aims to address negligence claims related to the transmission of COVID-19 in Federal civil actions. The bill proposes a specific jury instruction that must be given in cases where a claim for damages is based on negligence stemming from the transmission of the virus.

The purpose of this legislation is to provide clarity and guidance to juries when considering cases involving COVID-19 transmission. By requiring a specific jury instruction, the bill seeks to ensure that jurors are properly informed about the legal standards and considerations relevant to these types of cases.

The bill does not seek to limit or restrict individuals' ability to seek damages for negligence related to COVID-19 transmission. Instead, it aims to provide a framework for evaluating these claims in a consistent and fair manner. Overall, Bill 119 HR 99 represents an effort to address the legal complexities surrounding COVID-19 negligence claims and to promote transparency and fairness in the adjudication of these cases in Federal civil actions.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo require a particular jury instruction in Federal civil actions that include a claim for damages based on negligence arising from the transmission of COVID19.

Comments

APPROVED
Jamari Jordan
@mahlab_macallan_hardtack55994
I can't believe this bill is even a thing. Like, why do we need to have a special jury instruction for cases related to COVID-19 negligence? It just seems like a waste of time and resources. And who's to say this instruction will even make a differen...

APPROVED
Kya Melvin
@pea_grape_clementine15860
This bill is so sad, it's gonna make things worse for us all. I don't like it at all. Short term, it's gonna be bad for everyone.

Recent Activity

Latest Summary2/12/2025

Protecting Businesses From Frivolous COVID Lawsuits Act of 2025

This bill requires a specific jury instruction in a federal civil action for damages based on negligence arising from the transmission of COVID-19.

Specif...


Latest Action1/3/2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.