Tennessee Senate Bill 8002/House Bill 8001, titled the Tennessee COVID-19 Recovery Act, was signed by Governor Bill Lee on August 17, 2020. Among other provisions, the Act provides protection from civil liability for loss, damages, injury, or death arising from COVID-19, unless a claimant proves by clear and convincing evidence that there was gross negligence or willful misconduct. Among covered entities are individuals, corporations, and any legal entity whether for-profit or not-for-profit.
The Act is effective immediately and will be automatically repealed on July 1, 2022. Certain claims filed, notified, or satisfied on or before August 3, 2020, are excluded.
AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) continues to track bills across the country relating to the issue of COVID-19 liability. This type of legislation may be of interest to AKC-affiliated clubs with concerns about conducting their events while under a higher-than-normal exposure to liability risks. Individuals, clubs, businesses, and others with questions about this new Act are urged to seek qualified legal counsel.
For the latest information on this topic, visit the COVID-19 Liability key issues page in the AKC Legislative Action Center.
To view AKC legislative information and updates relating to COVID-19 and how they are impacting dogs, events, and businesses, visit www.akcgr.org/covid19. For additional information, please contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.