Covid-19 Shield Laws Proliferate Even as Liability Suits Do Not

Businesses soon will have broad protection from Covid-19 liability lawsuits in 30 states, covering more than half the U.S. population—an unusually speedy expansion of a legislative idea birthed just over a year ago in the pandemic’s early days.

Bills awaiting gubernatorial signatures in Missouri and Texas follow the lead of 28 other states that have provided broad immunity to businesses, health care providers, and other entities.

These laws protect most or all businesses from lawsuits that seek to assign blame for a person’s Covid-19 exposure, injury, or death, unless the person suing can prove gross negligence, willful misconduct, or failure ...