414 Washington St.   Marion, Al. 36756     phone: 334-683-6318  fax: 334-683-4616
Publisher: Lorrie Rinehart       Editor: Daniel L. Bamberg       Advertising: Lisa Averett      Bookkeeper: Sheila Duncan
"We are the front lines of truth advocacy. Major media outlets have traded truth for sensationalism, and online news sites have no real legal concerns to keep them in check. Digital text is not ink. The community newspapers are left as the only legally challenged body of information. We cannot afford to lie. We cannot afford to be inaccurate. We are the last stand for freedom of the press. We are the last of the true journalists."

Tuesday, April 19

First steps for tort reform in Alabama

On Thursday, the Alabama Senate Judiciary committee passed a series of comprehensive tort reform bills that will improve the court system in Alabama.  The Judiciary Committee is chaired by Senators Cam Ward and Ben Brooks.

"We listened to all sides," said Senator Ward. "Everyone had a seat at the table. These changes will better serve all Alabamians and promote justice."

“It's time we protect our small businesses," said Ward. "Lawsuit abuse is a real problem in Alabama and it is hurting our economy."

The comprehensive tort reform bills include:

The Alabama Small Business Protection Act (Senate Bill 184) sponsored by Senator Ben Brooks (R-Mobile) would prohibit a product liability actions for relief against sellers that are not manufacturers.

Post-Judgment Interest (Senate Bill 207) sponsored by Senator Cam Ward (R- Alabaster) would lower post judgment interest to 7.5%, the current  Southeast average, currently post judgment interest  is set at 12%  on the amount the court or jury awarded the plaintiff.

Wrongful Death Venue Reform (Senate Bill 212) sponsored by Senator Clay Scofield (R – Guntersville) will prohibit “forum shopping” of wrongful death actions by requiring that a suit can be brought only in the county where the decedent could have filed suit.

The three bills now go for a vote of the full Senate.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Search This Blog