PREP Repeal Act

This bill would end federal legal shields for pandemic-related medical products. It repeals the liability protections and the special compensation program that were created under the Public Health Service Act for “covered countermeasures” like certain drugs, devices, and biological products used in public health emergencies. It also takes back any leftover money in that compensation fund. The bill says people can bring lawsuits under federal or state law if they were harmed by the development, administration, or distribution of these products. Lawmakers state that past liability shields hurt public trust and accountability during emergencies. If any part of the bill is struck down in court, the rest would still stand.

Key points:

• Who is affected: People who say they were injured by pandemic-related drugs, devices, biological products, or other covered countermeasures; makers and distributors of those products.
• What changes: Federal immunity is repealed; the special injury fund ends and any unused funds are rescinded; people may sue under state or federal law.
• When: Applies to lawsuits that are already pending on the day it becomes law and to any filed after that date.