AR HB1487

Adds Subchapter 11 to Arkansas Code Title 16, Chapter 120 to provide civil liability immunity for businesses and their employees, agents, or officers for COVID-19 exposure on their premises or during activities they manage.

Immunity does not apply to cases involving willful, reckless, or intentional misconduct, or to workers' compensation benefits claims under Arkansas law or comparable state laws.

Creates a presumption that persons are not committing willful or reckless misconduct if they substantially comply with health and safety directives from the Governor, Department of Health, CDC, and CMS, or act in good faith attempting to comply with such guidelines.

Immunity applies to claims brought in state or federal court, or before the Arkansas State Claims Commission, and is in addition to any other immunity provided by state or federal law.

Act expires May 1, 2023, and becomes effective immediately upon gubernatorial approval, with an emergency clause declaring COVID-19 spread threatens public safety and business closure.