The Senate has approved an expanded COVID-19 liability shield that protects businesses, schools, and religious institutions, as well as doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical providers.

The Senate voted 24-15 on March 18 to approve SB 72 by Judiciary Chair Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg.

“Under these difficult circumstances, we should discourage opportunistic lawsuits, and help people get back to work,” Brandes said.