Legislators in Nevada have reportedly passed a controversial measure that would exempt certain industries from being sued should their workers get ill as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a report from the Associated Press news service published by US News and World Report, the legislation approved late last night will also require casinos and hotels across Nevada to implement a raft of employee protection measures so that they can re-open safely and without fear of legal complications.

Crucial criteria:

The news service reported that this second aspect of the measure is almost identical to a proposal earlier put forward by the Local 226 branch of the Culinary Workers Union and would oblige health officials in Washoe County and Clark County, which are home to the gambling-friendly cities of Reno and Las Vegas respectively, to establish baseline cleaning standards for hotel rooms, bars, elevators and restrooms. The legislation is purportedly set to moreover require casinos and hotels in Nevada to regularly test their employees for exposure to coronavirus and excuse any infected staff members from having to work.

Gubernatorial guidance:

The Associated Press reported that the coronavirus liability measure jumped a number of partisan divides and still needs to be signed by Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak before becoming law. However, the 66-year-old Democrat is widely expected to approve the measure within the next few days to see ‘The Silver State’ join more than a dozen others that have already passed legislation to protect businesses from personal injury and wrongful death claims amid the pandemic.

Diminutive dissent:

Ahead of a final vote on the legislation and Nevada Assistant Attorney General Brin Gibson reportedly declared that it reflected a deal reached by ‘some of the most important members of Nevada’s economy’ before warning that the subsequent inclusion of any amendments could jeopardize the bill’s shaky support. Despite this endorsement and numerous lawmakers including Nevada State Assemblywoman Selena Torres purportedly voted against the proposition because it does not expand these same workplace protections to frontline workers such as grocery store clerks.

Torres reportedly declared…

“I am concerned that these employees are not going to get the same benefits as other members of our community.”