Tort Reform Bill Clears Senate Committee

Republican-backed tort reform bill has cleared a state Senate committee.

Tuesday, March 31st 2009, 2:46 pm

By: News 9


By Alex Cameron, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY - A Republican-backed tort reform bill has cleared a state Senate committee.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill, 6-2, Tuesday afternoon. HB 1603 limits damages that can be awarded in lawsuits and is intended to reduce the number of suits filed in the state.

HB 1603, has already passed the house. The bill now heads to a vote of the full Senate. If it passes there, it would go to the governor's desk.  Governor Brad Henry has previously said he opposes various aspects of the legislation, most notably the $300,000 "hard cap" on non-economic damages - pain and suffering.

He vetoed similar legislation two years ago, and has indicated he might do the same this time around.

About a dozen physicians, many of them no longer practicing, spoke at a news conference at the Capitol today, urging the governor and lawmakers to pass meaningful tort reform legislation this session.

The doctors say it's becoming harder to maintain their practices because of the risk of being sued and the high malpractice premiums.

Continuing Coverage of the Tort Reform Debate:
- Lawmakers Question Tort Reform 
- Passed Tort Reform Bill Sparks Debate at Capitol

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