From Representative Chet Pollert
BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Governor Doug Burgum has announced he will be signing into law a bill aimed at protecting North Dakota businesses and hospitals from lawsuits related the transmission of COVID-19. HB 1175 was introduced earlier this session by Representative Michael Howe (R-West Fargo) and passed both the House and Senate with widespread support.
Supporting in-state businesses and employees has been a top priority of the Assembly during this legislative session.
This legislation highlights the Legislative Assembly’s commitment to our state’s businesses, essential workers, and healthcare professionals who have worked tirelessly to keep North Dakota open during the pandemic. The bill provides that in-state businesses are immune from civil liability resulting from an individual’s exposure to COVID-19. Undoubtedly, North Dakota businesses have been relentless in serving our state during the last year. This bill ensures they are not penalized for their efforts.
“At the onset of the global pandemic our business community was forced to make difficult decisions and adhere to changing executive orders. The protections offered in HB 1175 ensures that businesses that followed all the proper procedures and executive orders will be protected from frivolous lawsuits,” remarked bill sponsor Representative Michael Howe of Casselton. “We pride ourselves on being a ‘pro-business’ state and with the passage of 1175, our businesses can continue to be an essential part of the state economy and will position North Dakota to come out of this pandemic stronger than ever.”
The legislation also protects hospitals and healthcare providers from civil liability resulting from all COVID-19 related incidents. During the pandemic, our hospitals and healthcare employees had to adjust rapidly to an ever-changing pandemic. This bill makes certain they shielded from lawsuits which could arise from the spread of a virus beyond their control.
House Majority Leader Chet Pollert (R-Carrington) commended the bill, stating: “protecting our businesses and frontline healthcare workers is the right thing to do. The perseverance and fortitude of these heroes during the pandemic not only saved countless lives, but gave our state a sense of hope in a time of crisis.”
Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner (R-Dickinson) also supported the passage of this important legislation. “North Dakota believes in a truly business-friendly environment. This bill provides the businesses in our state the protection they deserve,” Warder said. “They operated to the highest standards during difficult times these last 13 months. Many of the companies in our state faced significant unknowns as they fought to keep their doors open. Today we stop looking back on the pandemic, and we begin to look forward to the future.”
The Greater North Dakota Chamber, a state-wide business advocacy association, praised the legislation, stating: “We commend passage of HB 1175 because it provides COVID-19 liability protections from opportunistic lawsuits, helping businesses, manufacturers, medical providers and others who took appropriate safety precautions throughout the pandemic. HB 1175 is not only beneficial to North Dakota’s business community but also our workforce, our communities, and ultimately, our economy.”
There will be a signing ceremony held for House Bill 1175 today at 10:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall.