SB30 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Arthur OrrSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Greg AlbrittonGerald H. AllenWill BarfootTom ButlerClyde ChamblissDonnie ChesteenChris ElliottSam GivhanJimmy HolleyAndrew JonesDel MarshRandy PriceGreg J. ReedDan RobertsClay ScofieldLarry StuttsJ.T. Waggoner

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Coronavirus, immunity for certain entities from claims relating to contraction of or exposure to coronovirus

Summary

SB30 provides COVID-19 civil immunity to certain Alabama entities and health care providers from most lawsuits related to coronavirus, with limits, retroactivity, and a sunset.

What This Bill Does

It shields covered entities from health emergency claims arising from COVID-19 if they follow applicable public health guidance. An exception exists if a claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that the entity acted with wanton, reckless, willful, or intentional misconduct. If liability is found but the injury is not serious physical injury, damages are limited to economic losses and noneconomic/punitive damages are largely barred (with some wrongful death exceptions). The act applies retroactively to actions filed after March 13, 2020, and includes a two-year statute of limitations for such claims, with immunity ending December 31, 2021 (or later, depending on when the emergency ends), except that acts during the act may have lasting applicability.

Who It Affects

• Health care providers and health care facilities in Alabama, who would receive immunity from health emergency claims related to COVID-19 as long as they followed public health guidance, with liability limited in certain situations and exceptions for misconduct.
• Other covered entities (businesses, educational entities, churches, governmental entities, cultural institutions) and their directors, officers, employees, and agents, who would also receive immunity from many health emergency claims arising from the pandemic, under similar conditions and limitations.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'covered entity' to include businesses, health care providers, educational entities, churches, governmental entities, and cultural institutions, plus their staff acting on behalf of the entity.
• Health emergency claims related to COVID-19 are largely barred for covered entities unless there is clear and convincing evidence of wanton, reckless, willful, or intentional misconduct.
• If liability is found without serious physical injury, damages are limited to economic damages; noneconomic and punitive damages are generally not allowed, with specific rules for wrongful death cases.
• Health care providers receive immunity under Section 5, and if immunity does not apply, existing health care laws remain in effect and are not superseded by this act.
• The act is intended to operate in tandem with the Emergency Management Act and related emergency orders, and its immunity is cumulative with other rights and defenses.
• Retroactive application to causes of action filed on or after March 13, 2020, and a two-year statute of limitations for health emergency claims.
• The act terminates on December 31, 2021 or one year after the declared health emergency ends, whichever is later; however, claims arising from acts during the act can be governed by its provisions in perpetuity.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Business and Commerce