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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 20-1723

THE GOVERNOR

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

[50 Pa.B. 6986]
[Saturday, December 12, 2020]

Notice of Veto; House Bill 1737, Printer's No. 4625

November 30, 2020

 To the Honorable House of Representatives
 of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

 Pursuant to Article IV, Section 15 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, I am returning herewith, without my approval, House Bill 1737, Printer's Number 4625.

 This legislation provides broad, overreaching immunity from civil liability during the current pandemic. I support, and provided, protections against liability for emergency and disaster services activities taken by health care practitioners under my May 6, 2020, executive order. However, this bill significantly expands these protections by limiting liability to various entities, including manufacturers, distributers, labelers and users of personal protective equipment, business services and covered providers. Shielding entities from liability in such a broad fashion as provided under this bill invites the potential for carelessness and a disregard for public safety.

 Furthermore, COVID-19 immunity protections need to be paired with worker protections, including paid sick leave for employees. Providing immunity for a business that does not rigorously comply with public health orders does not ensure the safety of the public, its employees and is not in the public interest. At a time when the COVID-19 virus is spreading rapidly, we need to be taking measures to ensure compliance with public health orders and improve safety practices. We should not be providing protection for noncompliance or carelessness.

 For the reasons set forth above, I must withhold my signature from House Bill 1737, Printer's Number 4625.

 Sincerely,

  

 Governor

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 20-1723. Filed for public inspection December 11, 2020, 9:00 a.m.]


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