Ohio REALTORS back measures offering protections for unknown transmission of COVID-19
By Beth Wanless, Ohio REALTORS Director of Government Affairs
Ohio REALTORS has testified in support of Substitute House Bill 606, a bill to protect Ohioans against frivolous, predatory lawsuits relating to the transmission of COVID-19. The measure was approved by the House on a bi-partisan vote.
The profession contends it is a timely and appropriate piece of legislation to provide civil protections of healthcare workers, businesses and individuals who may potentially face a frivolous lawsuit related to the transmission of COVID-19.
Over these past several weeks during the Emergency Order, Ohio REALTORS and other real estate professionals have been able to safely continue helping clients buy and sell homes, complete commercial real estate transactions, and help residential tenants find apartments among the numerous other real estate-related activities our members perform for their clients. There are many professionals who play a critical role in Ohio’s $99.6 billion real estate industry, and we appreciate this legislation’s goal of protecting those individuals against baseless lawsuits.
There is much unknown about this virus and how it uniquely impacts each person. Despite our members’ best efforts at following Centers for Disease Control and Ohio Department of Health guidelines to protect and sanitize, there may be unknown transmission of COVID-19. Ohio REALTORS are working diligently to ensure the safety of their clients, their properties, and themselves during this unprecedented and frightening time. Substitute House Bill 606, sponsored by Rep. Diane Grendell (R-District 76), provides much needed certainty and protection from those who wish to capitalize off this pandemic despite our members following federal and state safety guidelines and best practices.
As thousands of professionals and businesses across the State of Ohio reopen and welcome clients and customers, we are encouraged by the House Civil Justice’s commitment to this important bill. We respectfully ask the committee to approve Sub. HB 606.
Ohio REALTORS also offered testimony in support of similar legislation being debated in the Ohio Senate. Ohio Senate Bill 308, sponsored by Sen. Matt Huffman (R-District 12) provides similar protections for unknown transmission of COVID-19.
