COVID-19 liability

Lawmakers last year passed a measure to help shield hospitals, nursing homes and other providers from lawsuits related to the coronavirus. The measure was set to expire March 29.

The bill, which would extend protection for hospitals, nursing homes and other providers through June 1, 2023, now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing.

Under the proposal, public and private colleges and universities would be shielded from lawsuits stemming from campuses being shut down during the pandemic and students being forced to learn online.

Supporters of the bill say that shielding businesses from lawsuits related to COVID-19 is needed as the state continues to recover — but opponents say it would protect corporations more than people.