SC Attorney General Alan Wilson wants Congress to enact protection from frivolous covid-19 lawsuits.

He has joined a 21-state coalition seeking liability safeguards against lawsuits for much-needed goods and services.

Wilson said he also wants to ensure victims are able to seek compensation where appropriate.

He said appropriate postpandemic liability protection is needed at state and federal levels for businesses, manufacturers of personal protective equipment, first responders, healthcare workers, healthcare facilities and members of law enforcement.

“Our economy will only recover if customers and employees have the confidence to return to the marketplace,” he said.

States across the country have recognized the need for timely, targeted and tailored civil liability protections.

To date more than 20 states have enacted liability protections for first responders and healthcare workers.

“Protections should not be extended to businesses engaging in willful misconduct, reckless infliction of harm or intentional infliction of harm,” he said.

“We believe criminal penalties, regulatory fines and agency oversight should be able to capture bad actors.

“Civil lawsuits should be available for any citizens hurt by a business or individual acting with disregard for safety.”