Institutions of higher education: liability for COVID-19-related injuries.

Under existing law, the segments of public higher education in this state consist of (1) the California Community Colleges, (2) the California State University, and each campus, branch, and function thereof, and (3) each campus, branch, and function of the University of California. Existing law establishes as a segment of higher education in this state the independent institutions of higher education, which are those nonpublic higher education institutions that grant undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, or both, and that are formed as nonprofit corporations in this state and are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. Existing law provides that no monetary liability and no cause of action arise against specified entities for certain conduct, including, except for specified damages, a hospital for any action taken upon the recommendation of its medical staff, or against any other person or organization for any action taken, or restriction imposed, which is required to be reported, if that action or restriction is reported, as specified. This bill would exempt public and independent institutions of higher education, and their officers, employees, and governing bodies that meet specified conditions, from monetary liability and damages for injury relating to COVID-19 infection, illness, or death, as provided, with specified exceptions.