The numerous outbreaks due to E. coli contamination of hamburger meat nationwide have led legislators to push a bill to protect the hospitality industry from lawsuits.

House Bill 3640 would allow restaurant customers to order rare hamburgers cooked to a temperature below 155 degrees. The amendment would provide restaurants with immunity from liability if a customer becomes sick from eating the rare meat.

Restaurants must also provide written warnings to customers on menus or other signs that there may be health risks.

The bill passed the South Carolina House and is now in the Senate, but may not make it through the Senate Medical Affairs subcommittee before the legislative session ends.