On November 30, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf vetoed HB 1737 which would have afforded healthcare providers across the Commonwealth immunity from civil suits related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his veto statement, Governor Wolf referenced his May 6 Order, noting that he supported protections against liability for emergency and disaster services activities taken by healthcare providers, but felt HB 1737 went too far. Wolf’s office stated that the proposed legislation “would have undermined COVID-19 mitigation efforts and endangered the public health,” and categorized the civil immunity afforded by the bill “overly broad.” Wolf noted that he withheld his signature from the bill because he felt believed it would invite the potential for carelessness and provide protection to noncompliant actors at a time when the COVID-19 virus is spreading rapidly. Wolf also explained his position that COVID-19 immunity should be paired with increased employee protections, including paid sick leave for employees.

White and Williams covered HB 1737 when it passed both Houses of the Pennsylvania state legislature in mid-November and will continue to monitor proposed legislation and/or policies which could afford healthcare providers immunity from suit amid the COVID-19 crisis.

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