Turner plans to release bill to protect unemployed, limit employer liability

U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) this week plans to unveil legislation to provide expanded unemployment protection for employees and a limitation on liability for employers impacted by exposure to COVID-19.

“Many businesses are concerned about reopening due to the risk associated with being held liable if one of their employees contracts coronavirus after coming back to work,” Rep. Turner said on Tuesday. “This bill is proactive and seeks to protect complying businesses and employees as we begin to restart the economy.”

Rep. Turner will introduce the Employer and Employee COVID Protection Act, which would support employers that are in compliance with state and federal laws by making them immune to tort claims filed by employees who contract coronavirus after returning to their workplaces, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Turner’s office.

Additionally, employees would be able to decide for themselves whether they feel safe staying at work and would have the opportunity to raise specific health concerns with their employer, according to the summary.

“If the employee is still unsatisfied with their working conditions, they will be permitted to terminate their employment and, for purposes of eligibility for unemployment benefits, the termination will be ‘through no fault of their own,’” the summary says.