News Briefs
Gov. Mike DeWine has signed into law House Bill 606, known as the Good Samaritan Expansion Bill, after its passage in the Ohio House and Senate.
Governor Signs ‘Good Samaritan Expansion Bill’
Gov. Mike DeWine has signed into law House Bill 606, known as the Good Samaritan Expansion Bill, after its passage in the Ohio House and Senate.
The legislation protects individuals, schools, healthcare professionals and businesses from unforeseen liability arising out of the pandemic.
“Months ago when I introduced this legislation I stated how important this was for our frontline workers that they should not have to worry about lawsuits while helping Ohioans amid the pandemic,” state Rep. Diane Grendell (R-Chester Township) said. “Now this bill is even more vital as the start of the academic year is here and we must ensure teachers and school faculty have the peace of mind they will not be sued as they work hard to safely teach our kids this year as schools reopen.”
The Good Samaritan Expansion Bill ensures civil immunity to individuals, schools, the health care community and businesses from lawsuits arising out of the pandemic.
Health care providers are immune for the actions, omissions, decisions or compliance with government orders unless it constitutes reckless disregard for life or health of the patient, Grendell said.
Businesses, individuals and families receive immunity for the transmission, contraction or exposure to SARS, MERS, COVID-19 or any mutation unless they are reckless, participate in willful and wanton, or intentional misconduct.
“House Bill 606 has been described as the single most effective bill in the Ohio House regarding COVID-19,” Grendell said. “Every industry in our state will benefit from this legislation. Giving businesses, schools and individuals a chance to return to normal while granting them peace of mind is necessary for our continued success.”
The immunity is set to last from March 9, 2020, the date of the emergency declaration through Sept. 30, 2021.
HB 606 will become law after 90 days.
County Auditor to Hold Forfeited Land Sale
Geauga County Auditor Charles E. Walder is holding a forfeited land sale at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 8 in Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge David Ondrey’s courtroom on the second floor of Geauga County Courthouse on Chardon Square.
If more space is required, the sale will be held on the courthouse front lawn, weather permitting. Those attending are asked to bring their own chair.
Terms of sale are cash, money order or certified check, and any parcel purchased must be paid for by 3 p.m. the day of the sale.
For sale are six parcels in Auburn Township, five parcels in Bainbridge Township, four parcels in the City of Chardon and three parcels in Newbury Township.
Parcel and tax map information marking the properties’ location is on display in auditor’s office in the Courthouse Annex at 231 Main St., Chardon, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and also on the auditor’s website: www.auditor.co.geauga.oh.us.
Preregistration is new this year and highly recommended. The preregistration forms and other details of the sale can be found at www.auditor.co.geauga.oh.us, click on the “Land Sale” tab.
There also will be registration the day of the sale starting at 8:30 a.m. in the courthouse.
Importantly, all bidders must be current on all real estate taxes owed in the state of Ohio.
