CUNA joined over 400 organizations Thursday to call on Congress to include the COVID-19 liability protections set forth in the “SAFE TO WORK Act” (S. 4317) in the Phase IV COVID-19 relief package.  

The bill includes timely, targeted, and temporary liability relief provisions to safeguard healthcare workers, providers, and facilities, as well as businesses, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions against unfair lawsuits so they can continue to contribute to a safe and effective economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“COVID-19-related lawsuits and their consequent exorbitant legal costs could deter entities from reopening and could ultimately cripple businesses, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations both large and small,” the letter reads. “The temporary and targeted liability relief provisions contained in S. 4317 are balanced and would ensure that unfair lawsuits against those who work to comply with applicable governmental guidelines do not impede the American people’s health, social, and economic recovery.”

The letter also notes that Congress has previously passed needed liability protections to prevent the “threat of lawsuits at moments of maximum economic vulnerability.”