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November 20, 2020, (Harrisburg, PA) – The Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers (PACB) today applauded the passage of legislation by both chambers of the General Assembly containing COVID liability protection measures for businesses, health workers and community institutions that follow federal and state guidance related to the pandemic. The legislation now awaits action by the Governor. House Bill 1737 bill provides COVID liability protection to healthcare practitioners and facilities, manufacturers of personal protective equipment, as well as protection from exposure claims for those following health guidelines. In addition to healthcare and businesses large and small, the bill protects schools, colleges and universities, child care centers, and local governments. The legislation also contains liability protection for those engaged in agritourism activities. “Community banks have worked tirelessly to assist the communities they serve through this public health crisis and the protections offered by this reasonable legislation cannot be overstated,” said PACB President and CEO Kevin L. Shivers. “We thank the bill’s sponsor state Rep. Barbara Gleim (R-Cumberland) and state Senator Lisa Baker (R-Wayne) for their leadership ensuring this legislation succeeded in both chambers. “Community bank employees have worked to ensure consumers have access to their deposits and businesses have access to critical capital and financial services. Since April, community banks also processed the lion’s share of Paycheck Protection Loan for small businesses, community groups, and charitable organizations. All while maintaining their facilities to ensure the safety of their employees and their customers,” Shivers continued. “Once signed into law, HB 1737 would remove one COVID-related burden from the backs of our bank executives and allow community banks to focus their energies on assisting with the economic recovery of their communities. We look forward to the governor signing it into law.” House Bill 1737, as passed by the legislature, any entity following guidance from the Center for Disease Control and the Department of Health would qualify for limited civil liability. Liability protections would not be extended to any business or entity which acts with gross negligence related to public health. About the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers The Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers, headquartered in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, exclusively represents the interests of community banks chartered in the Commonwealth and nearly 14,000 men and women who work in their communities to make the financial dreams of their neighbors become reality. Its mission is focused to promote and protect the community banking industry through legislative advocacy, education and networking. To learn more, please visit www.pacb.org
November 20, 2020, (Harrisburg, PA) – The Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers (PACB) today applauded the passage of legislation by both chambers of the General Assembly containing COVID liability protection measures for businesses, health workers and community institutions that follow federal and state guidance related to the pandemic.
The legislation now awaits action by the Governor.
House Bill 1737 bill provides COVID liability protection to healthcare practitioners and facilities, manufacturers of personal protective equipment, as well as protection from exposure claims for those following health guidelines. In addition to healthcare and businesses large and small, the bill protects schools, colleges and universities, child care centers, and local governments. The legislation also contains liability protection for those engaged in agritourism activities.
“Community banks have worked tirelessly to assist the communities they serve through this public health crisis and the protections offered by this reasonable legislation cannot be overstated,” said PACB President and CEO Kevin L. Shivers.
“We thank the bill’s sponsor state Rep. Barbara Gleim (R-Cumberland) and state Senator Lisa Baker (R-Wayne) for their leadership ensuring this legislation succeeded in both chambers. “Community bank employees have worked to ensure consumers have access to their deposits and businesses have access to critical capital and financial services. Since April, community banks also processed the lion’s share of Paycheck Protection Loan for small businesses, community groups, and charitable organizations. All while maintaining their facilities to ensure the safety of their employees and their customers,” Shivers continued.
“Once signed into law, HB 1737 would remove one COVID-related burden from the backs of our bank executives and allow community banks to focus their energies on assisting with the economic recovery of their communities. We look forward to the governor signing it into law.”
House Bill 1737, as passed by the legislature, any entity following guidance from the Center for Disease Control and the Department of Health would qualify for limited civil liability. Liability protections would not be extended to any business or entity which acts with gross negligence related to public health.
About the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers The Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers, headquartered in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, exclusively represents the interests of community banks chartered in the Commonwealth and nearly 14,000 men and women who work in their communities to make the financial dreams of their neighbors become reality. Its mission is focused to promote and protect the community banking industry through legislative advocacy, education and networking. To learn more, please visit www.pacb.org