Existing law generally provides that everyone is responsible, not only for the result of their willful acts, but also for an injury occasioned to another by that person's want of ordinary care or skill in the management of their property or person, except as specified.
This bill would exempt a business, as defined, from liability for an injury or illness to a person due to coronavirus (COVID-19) based on a claim that the person contracted COVID-19 while at that business, or due to the actions of that business, if the business has substantially complied with all applicable state and local health laws, regulations, and protocols. The bill would define a business to include a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, or other group, including a nonprofit organization, as specified. The bill would not permit this exception to apply if the injury or illness resulted from a grossly negligent act or omission, willful or wanton misconduct, or unlawful discrimination by the business or an employee of the business. The bill would include related legislative findings.
This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.