NC Senate Bill 704

AN ACT TO PROVIDE AID TO NORTH CAROLINIANS IN RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) CRISIS.  As many states and jurisdictions begin a phased relaxation of COVID-19 related closures and restrictions, businesses have begun to question what protection exist for them against liability claims from employees, customers and the general public who access their facilities. North Carolina has provided such protections with this Act.  Amongst many other provisions, this Act, which has been ratified by Governor Cooper, contains language that provides for "Limited Business Immunity” for Essential businesses from certain civil liabilities.  Apartment Industry businesses are considered Essential businesses. The immunity from civil liability provided in this section shall not apply if the injuries or death were caused by an act or omission of the essential business or emergency response entity constituting gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or intentional infliction of harm. This Article applies to acts or omissions occurring on or after the issuance of the COVID-19 essential business executive order and expires when the COVID-19 emergency declaration is rescinded or expires. 

More details of this Act can be found on page 43 of the attached bill.