Governor Doug Ducey signed legislation April 5 to ensure Arizonans acting in good faith during the COVID-19 pandemic are protected against frivolous civil claims. Healthcare professionals, businesses, schools, nonprofits, governments, religious institutions, and property owners are among the entities to which the legislation applies. Senate Bill (SB) 1377, sponsored by Senator Leach, fulfills a State of the State priority of the Governor’s to protect Arizonans from “frivolous lawsuits.” It provides the legal framework for when a liability claim can be brought in relation to COVID-19 while still ensuring that claims based on gross negligence and willful misconduct can be heard. The legislation applies during the current public health pandemic and protects healthcare institutions and other service providers for any act or omission that is alleged to have occurred during a person’s screening, assessment or treatment that is related to the health emergency. Providers include educational institutions, school districts or charter schools, property owners, lessees and lessors, nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, the State and local governments, healthcare providers and institutions, and nursing and residential care facilities.
