S.F. No. 4606 Summary

• Shields manufacturers, sellers, and donors of qualified COVID-19 products (PPE, medical devices, medications, tests) from civil liability when used by government entities, health care professionals, facilities, first responders, or essential businesses, except for those with actual knowledge of defects who acted with complete indifference to serious injury risks or intent to cause harm.

• Prohibits civil actions for COVID-19-related injury, damage, or economic loss unless the claimant was diagnosed with COVID-19 and experienced symptoms, required inpatient hospitalization, or suffered serious illness preventing normal activities for at least 14 days; exception carved out for intentional harm or threatened exposure.

• Eliminates duty of care for property owners and occupants to reduce COVID-19 risks or warn of exposure, limiting liability only for willful, wanton, or reckless conduct or intentional exposure; exempts workers' compensation claims.

• Provides safe harbor from civil liability for any person conducting business in Minnesota whose conduct complied with or was consistent with written federal, state, or local government guidance on COVID-19 at the time of the alleged act or omission.

• All provisions are effective retroactively from March 13, 2020, and apply to causes of action accruing on or after that date.