Senate Bill 1024 Summary

• Establishes the "COVID-19 Response and Reopening Liability Assurance Act" to limit civil liability for COVID-19-related claims in Michigan.

• Requires COVID-19 claims to allege harm meeting a "minimum medical condition" (hospitalization of 24+ hours, 14+ days of inability to engage in usual activities, or death) unless the conduct was a deliberate act intended to cause harm.

• Shields persons from liability for COVID-19 exposure claims unless clear and convincing evidence shows reckless disregard of substantial risk or deliberate intent to cause harm.

• Provides liability protection for persons operating in substantial compliance with federal/state statutes, regulations, executive orders, or public health guidance applicable at the time of alleged harm.

• Limits product liability for manufacturers, distributors, and donors of qualified COVID-19 products and disinfecting/cleaning supplies unless clear and convincing evidence shows actual knowledge of a defect and willful disregard of that knowledge.