Bills meant to exempt businesses from being penalized for their customers’ behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and to protect medical providers’ “right of conscience” advanced through the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee Monday (Feb. 8).
Both were sponsored by Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton.
Under Senate Bill 254, firms, persons and corporations would not be liable to Department of Health penalties during the COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency if a violation occurs through the actions of a patron or customer. The bill passed on a voice vote with no audible dissenters.