BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Senator Andres Borgeas (R-Fresno), and a bipartisan coalition of legislators are making an appeal to Governor Gavin Newsom to grant legal immunity to businesses and employees from COVID-19 related lawsuits amid the pandemic.

Small business owners and their employees across California have worked to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide groceries, medicine, supplies, transportation and other services. Many businesses altering their manufacturing and assembly processes to create personal protective equipment and medical supplies to protect California’s most vulnerable populations.

As California businesses and employees begin to comply with new state and local health guidelines, many are still struggling to survive. Borgeas said these businesses could be in legal jeopardy because of perceived liability or damages related to COVID-19.

The new legislation is currently working its way through the assembly. If it passes it will go to the Senate then Gov. Newsom to sign.