• About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Pickem Terms and Conditions
Thursday, June 12, 2025
The Platte County Landmark Newspaper
  • Home
  • Local News
  • Opinion
  • Landmark Pickem!
    • Weekly Pickem Updates
    • Results by Week
    • The Leaderboard
    • Pickem Rules and Help
  • Landmark Live!
  • Looking Backward
  • es_MXSpanish
  • Home
  • Local News
  • Opinion
  • Landmark Pickem!
    • Weekly Pickem Updates
    • Results by Week
    • The Leaderboard
    • Pickem Rules and Help
  • Landmark Live!
  • Looking Backward
  • es_MXSpanish
No Result
View All Result
The Platte County Landmark Newspaper
No Result
View All Result

Protecting Missouri’s heroes

Landmark Staff by Landmark Staff
January 29, 2021
in Letters to the Editor
Heroes
7
SHARES
172
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare via Email

EDITOR:

We’re three weeks into the 2021 legislative session and this week’s schedule was packed full of committee hearings, with a number of high-priority bills beginning to move through the legislative process. Committee hearings give the public and those affected by legislation an opportunity to weigh in and help shape Missouri’s laws. My colleagues and I welcome the input and value the perspectives we gain during hearings.

RelatedNews

Tax credits that make homes affordable

Local GOP insiders have conspired to blacklist

Words about Randy

The Senate Judiciary Committee, which I chair, met this week and heard testimony on legislation to provide protection from lawsuits related to COVID-19. The governor first called for passage of COVID liability legislation during the extra session last fall, and finishing that work is a priority for this term. Senate Bill 51, which I presented during Tuesday’s hearing, addresses three significant areas where Missourians could face legal jeopardy relating to the pandemic. I believe my legislation is the most comprehensive solution to the COVID-19 liability issue, and offers protections for small businesses and frontline health care providers.

COVID-19 has been difficult for everybody, but small businesses have been hit particularly hard. As we restart Missouri’s economy, I believe businesses must feel comfortable reopening without fearing lawsuits. If a business patron contracts the virus that business shouldn’t be held responsible. As long as they’re not acting recklessly, individual businesses should not be liable for a highly infectious virus.

My legislation also shields our brave frontline health care workers from unfounded lawsuits. Our state’s medical professionals and first responders have worked long and difficult hours, putting themselves and their families at risk, rendering care during the pandemic. These people truly are heroes, and they should not worry about getting sued for doing their duty.

Finally, SB 51 creates certain liability protections for businesses that stepped forward to address shortages of personal protective equipment and other supplies. We saw apparel makers who never previously made face coverings suddenly producing masks, often donating them to frontline workers. Distilleries and breweries around the state shifted production to meet the demand for hand sanitizer. These good Samaritan businesses helped us fight the pandemic, and their good deeds should not be punished.

My hope is that we can get SB 51 passed out of committee next week and quickly move it to the Senate floor for debate. The bill has an emergency clause, which if approved, would make these protections effective the minute the governor signs the bill. I believe it’s important to get this passed as early as possible so we can bring immediate relief to our small businesses. This can’t wait any longer.

–State Sen. Tony Luetkemeyer

District 34

Tags: covid-19Lawsuits
Landmark Staff

Landmark Staff

Related Posts

AMC Barrywoods 24

Better person, baby needs, new shoes

by Guy Speckman
June 12, 2025
0

Whether intentional or accidental, I appreciate you stopping by this space. I’m going to be honest. I’m mailing this effort in, and I’d prefer you not tell Foley about this column. Probably not my best work but the baby needs...

Park University

Park University notes 150 years of history

by Debbie Coleman-Topi
May 22, 2025
0

SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SCHOOL'S FIRST CENTURY AND A HALF Park University is celebrating a century and a half of history, with memories that reverberate in the historic Park University majestically perched amid the Missouri River bluffs in Parkville. Established...

Missouri Court of Appeals

Children’s tax lawsuit decision being appealed

by Landmark Digital
May 21, 2025
0

TO MISSOURI COURT OF APPEALS, WESTERN DISTRICT An appeal has been filed in the legal case on the Platte County Children’s Services Fund sales tax. The matter advances to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District. The quarter cent sales...

Platte City Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

Memorial Day service set Monday in Platte City

by Landmark Digital
May 21, 2025
0

AT CEMETERY, 101 N. FOURTH STREET Platte City’s annual Memorial Day ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26 at the Platte City Cemetery, located at 101 North Fourth Street. A Memorial Day tribute will be offered...

Next Post
Crazy is as crazy does

Crazy is as crazy does

Popular News

  • Police lights

    I-29 pedestrian struck by three vehicles dies at scene

    65 shares
    Share 26 Tweet 16
  • Detectives speaking with ‘person of interest’ in shooting death of sports reporter

    63 shares
    Share 25 Tweet 16
  • KC man charged in shooting death of local sports reporter

    28 shares
    Share 11 Tweet 7
  • City will pause enforcement of ban on backyard chickens

    25 shares
    Share 10 Tweet 6
  • Amenities being added to Park at Platte Meadows

    16 shares
    Share 6 Tweet 4
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Pickem Terms and Conditions
Call us at 816-858-0363

Copyright © 2019-2020 The Platte County Landmark Newspaper - All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Subscribe Online
  • Home
  • Local News
  • Opinion
  • Landmark Pickem
    • Results by Week
    • The Leaderboard
    • Pickem Rules and Help
  • Landmark Live!
  • Looking Backward
  • es_MXSpanish

Copyright © 2019-2020 The Platte County Landmark Newspaper - All Rights Reserved