Protecting Businesses From Frivolous COVID Lawsuits Act of 2025

H.R. 99, the Protecting Businesses From Frivolous COVID Lawsuits Act of 2025, would establish a specific jury instruction requirement in federal civil negligence cases related to COVID-19 transmission. If enacted, the bill would require courts to tell juries that they cannot find a business negligent based solely on the fact that the business was open to the public. This instruction would apply to lawsuits seeking damages for alleged negligence in transmitting COVID-19.

The practical effect of this bill, if it becomes law, would be to provide legal protection to businesses facing COVID-19 related lawsuits by limiting the grounds on which juries could hold them liable. Currently in committee consideration, the bill reflects ongoing debates about balancing business liability protections with individuals' ability to pursue legal claims related to pandemic-related illness. The bill would only affect federal civil cases and would not prevent lawsuits entirely, but rather would restrict one specific basis for finding negligence.