Bill would prohibit lawsuits by those who claim they contracted coronavirus in certain places

Businesses, churches, schools, and healthcare providers would be immune to coronavirus related lawsuits if a bill giving them immunity passes the Alabama legislature.

What that measure would do is prohibit someone from claiming in court they contracted COVID-19 in one of those places. The bill is retroactive to March 13.

Introduced by State Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), the bill has 22 co-sponsors and will most likely breeze through both chambers of the statehouse, then become law if signed by Governor Kay Ivey.

There is one exception. Lawsuits against healthcare providers would go forward if malpractice or other negligence is alleged.

Lawmakers, after a two month layoff due to coronavirus, have returned to Montgomery where they expect to pass state budgets. They are also considering a limited number of other bills.

Most Democrats chose not to attend the session this week.