Virus Liability Shields May Hinge on New Agency Guidance

Some Senate Republicans eager to kick-start economic recovery are pushing for clear, enforceable agency guidelines for businesses in conjunction with legislative safeguards to protect employers against coronavirus-related lawsuits. But calls for new guidance could compound efforts to forge and implement a political compromise.

A liability shield for businesses is the “red line” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has marked out in any future talks on another stimulus package, yet Democrats are largely resistant to blanket protections.

While any agreement between Republicans and Democrats is likely weeks away, at best, a deal that emphasizes agency guidance to protect businesses ...