NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF/AP) — Tennessee lawmakers are heading back to the Capitol to address legislation that would provide health care providers, schools and businesses broad protections against coronavirus lawsuits.
Republican Gov. Bill Lee announced last week he would call for a special session to address not only COVID-19 liability but also “telehealth services and laws governing the Capitol grounds.”
The GOP-dominated Statehouse failed to advance the proposal earlier this year when negotiations among lawmakers broke down in the hectic waning hours of legislative work.
Some state lawmakers say while the country is still battling the pandemic, it's important for businesses, schools and churches to have COVID-19 liability protection. Lt. Governor Randy McNally says employers shouldn't have to worry about lawsuits or it'll get in the way of them doing their job.
However, if an employee does contract COVID-19 on the job, they can still hold the employer accountable under gross negligence.
"People will still be able to sue, but the bar will be gross negligence. So, as they're looking to file a lawsuit in the courts it has to rise to the level of gross negligence,” said House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R – Crossville).
Meanwhile, a bill proposed by Rep. William Lamberth (R – Portland) would call for stricter penalties for camping on state property, in addition to penalties for people who deface monuments, public property and attack first responders.
This isn't the first time penalties have been brought up, and lawmakers like Rep. Mike Stewart (D – Nashville) feel this is another way for those who support this bill to get their way.
"We rejected these ideas just a few months ago. So, what the governor is saying is he doesn't like what happened in the regular session and so he wants to come back and have a do over,” Stewart said.
Demonstrators have been protesting at the Capitol for two months now. They say they're fighting for racial justice and equality and want to speak to Governor Lee.
Lawmakers will begin the special session on Monday.
