Protecting Businesses From Frivolous COVID Lawsuits Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 99
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 99Cardiovascular and respiratory healthCivil actions and liability
Protecting Businesses From Frivolous COVID Lawsuits Act of 2025
INTRO JAN 3· LAST ACTION JAN 3
READING
1MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it seeks to clarify the legal standard for businesses facing lawsuits related to COVID-19 transmission, potentially making it harder for individuals to win such cases. If it becomes law, businesses might feel more secure in their operations during future public health crises, knowing that merely being open won't be considered negligent.
On the other hand, voters who or whose loved ones suffered from COVID-19 due to what they perceive as a business's lack of care might find it more challenging to seek justice or compensation. The bill attempts to balance protecting businesses from what some see as unfair lawsuits with ensuring accountability for public health safety.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Requires specific jury instructions in federal lawsuits alleging negligence from COVID-19 transmission.
This ensures a uniform standard for how juries evaluate claims of negligence in these specific types of cases.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that juries be instructed that opening a business during COVID-19 is considered reasonable by law.
This provision aims to protect businesses from being held liable solely for operating during the pandemic.
PROVISION 03
Prohibits juries from finding a business negligent *solely* on the basis of holding itself open for business.
This directly limits the grounds upon which a jury can find a business responsible for COVID-19 transmission.
PROVISION 04
Reiterates that the general 'reasonable person standard' for negligence still applies.
This confirms that businesses are still expected to act prudently, even if their decision to open is protected.
This bill matters because it seeks to clarify the legal standard for businesses facing lawsuits related to COVID-19 transmission, potentially making it harder for individuals to win such cases. If it becomes law, businesses might feel more secure in their operations during future public health crises, knowing that merely being open won't be considered negligent.
On the other hand, voters who or whose loved ones suffered from COVID-19 due to what they perceive as a business's lack of care might find it more challenging to seek justice or compensation. The bill attempts to balance protecting businesses from what some see as unfair lawsuits with ensuring accountability for public health safety.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires specific jury instructions in federal lawsuits alleging negligence from COVID-19 transmission.
This ensures a uniform standard for how juries evaluate claims of negligence in these specific types of cases.
high
Mandates that juries be instructed that opening a business during COVID-19 is considered reasonable by law.
This provision aims to protect businesses from being held liable solely for operating during the pandemic.
high
Prohibits juries from finding a business negligent *solely* on the basis of holding itself open for business.
This directly limits the grounds upon which a jury can find a business responsible for COVID-19 transmission.
med
Reiterates that the general 'reasonable person standard' for negligence still applies.
This confirms that businesses are still expected to act prudently, even if their decision to open is protected.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Federal civil action
A non-criminal lawsuit filed in a court that is part of the United States federal judicial system.
Negligence
Failure to act with the reasonable care that a cautious person would have used in the same circumstances, leading to harm or injury to another person.
Jury instruction
Directions given by a judge to a jury at the end of a trial, explaining the laws that apply to the case and guiding them on how to consider the evidence.
Reasonable person standard
A legal concept used to determine if someone acted carelessly, by comparing their actions to what a hypothetical, ordinary, and careful person would have done in the same situation.
Liability
Legal responsibility for causing harm or injury to another, often requiring payment of damages.