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Seal of the Senate of the State of Texas
Welcome to the official website for the
Texas Senate
 
Senator Kelly Hancock: District 9
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2021
Sen. Hancock, Texas Senate Pass Pandemic Liability Protections
By a 29-1 bipartisan vote, Senate advances SB 6 to prevent frivolous COVID-19 lawsuits

AUSTIN, TX - The Texas Senate today passed Senate Bill 6 by Sen. Kelly Hancock (R-North Richland Hills), providing retroactive civil liability protections for large and small businesses, religious institutions, non-profit entities, healthcare providers, first responders and educational institutions.

"Business owners and employees went above and beyond throughout the pandemic to open and operate safely," said Hancock, Chairman of the Senate's Business and Commerce Committee. "They don't deserve to have their livelihoods destroyed by frivolous lawsuits. This legislation will help ensure the Texas economy continues to recover stronger than ever, and also lets our frontline healthcare heroes and first responders know how much we appreciate their work during incredibly trying times."

The civil liability protections provided in the bill are extended to entities that followed government promulgated standards and protocols, including those that made a good faith effort to follow protocols that constantly changed and evolved as public health experts learned more about the COVID-19 virus.

Having passed the Texas Senate by a 29-1 vote, SB 6 now heads to the Texas House of Representatives for further consideration. Governor Greg Abbott made pandemic liability protections an emergency item for the 87th Legislature.

To follow the progress of the legislation, visit capitol.texas.gov.

Sen. Hancock represents Texas Senate District 9, which includes portions of Dallas and Tarrant Counties. He currently serves as Chairman of the Texas Senate Committee on Business & Commerce.

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