Sen. Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield), Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam), and Rep. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) are circulating legislation to shield Wisconsin businesses, schools, universities, and other entities from the threat of lawsuits alleging liability for COVID-19 exposures. Such protections would only apply to those who take adequate precautions to keep their premises safe.

On September 9, a broad coalition of over 60 groups, including the Wisconsin Civil Justice Council, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Businesses – Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, the Wisconsin Builders Association, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, the Midwest Food Products Association, Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin, and many local chamber of commerce sent a memo urging legislators to co-sponsor and act on the bill.

The Legislature likely will not re-convene until January. When the Legislature reconvenes, enactment of these protections will be a major initiative of the Wisconsin Civil Justice Council.