AUSTIN – Numerous Texas groups have joined a coalition of nearly 500 businesses and organizations in petitioning Congress to pass the “SAFE TO WORK Act.”
The act, introduced by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) on July 27, seeks to “lessen the burdens on interstate commerce by discouraging” COVID–19 lawsuits “while preserving the ability” to sue for those who suffered “real injury.”
Some of the Texas group to join the coalition include Texans for Lawsuit Reform, Texas Alliance for Patient Access and the Texas Civil Justice League.
The collation asserts the act’s “crucial protections” would “safeguard” healthcare workers, as well as businesses and educational institutions, against “unfair lawsuits so they can continue to contribute to a safe and effective economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“This legislation is critically needed and should be enacted as soon as possible,” the petition states. “To that end, we strongly urge you to support the inclusion of these provisions in a Phase IV COVID-19 relief package.”
The coalition argues COVID-19 lawsuits “and their consequent exorbitant legal costs” could deter entities from reopening and ultimately cripple businesses and other organizations.
“Now is the time for Congress to take strong action and … stop a growing wave of lawsuits from inhibiting our return to a robust economy and healthy citizenry,” the petition states.
Conryn said the act would not provide “blanket immunity” during a June 10 webinar session with the Austin Chamber.
“But for those who follow the guidelines … in doing everything they could do to safely reopen their business, we believe there ought to be some safe harbor for them,” Cornyn said. “The cost of litigation could make the difference between survival or demise.”
Cornyn began working on the act with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell back in May.