Copyright: Brandon Bourdages
NMHC joined nearly 500 business groups from across the country in calling on Congress to provide targeted and temporary liability protections for businesses that work to follow applicable public health guidelines in reopening by including S. 4317, the “SAFE TO WORK Act,” in the next COVID-19 relief package. NMHC joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in sending the letter to both the House & Senate and made the case that without these common-sense protections, our nation’s economic recovery from the pandemic would be greatly harmed.
The Safe to Work Act, which was introduced by Senator John Cornyn and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, provides targeted and limited liability protections for businesses and other groups such as schools, colleges and medical workers. Importantly, it also extends protection to employers who follow public health guidelines in reactivating their workforce. NMHC has called for similar liability protections as apartment firms have raised concerns that despite doing their best to follow applicable guidelines, they could be forced to defend against an onslaught of frivolous lawsuits which will drive up operating costs at a time of great financial stress in the multifamily industry.
Leader McConnell has indicated that such protections are a must-have for him in the next relief package, increasing the likelihood that one becomes law. Until federal liability protections are enacted, NMHC firms are encouraged closely follow guidance from federal, state and local public health authorities and to consult with counsel on their phased reopening plans to ensure they are implemented in a way that protects employees, residents, contractors and prospective residents while limiting possible liability claims from them.
Apartment firms are also encouraged to visit NMHC’s COVID-19 Hub, which includes a variety of reopening resources including NMHC advisory guidance as well as CDC, OSHA and other government resources.
Staff Resource
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