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Wednesday, May 11, 2005

...But They’ll Be Back

In what is becoming a theme for the day, Florida business interests tried to push a package of tort “reform” measures through the state legislature, but only got a fraction of what they wanted this session.

Described by the Miami Herald as a “high priority” for business groups such as the Florida Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Florida, and as Jeb Bush’s “pet project,” tort reform brought “mobs of lobbyists” to Tallahassee and was the subject of several bills.

Pro-business legislators did manage to grant immunity to utilities for accidents and injuries caused by broken or burnt-out street lights. Another bill barred some consumers for suing over asbestos claims (as in Texas).

But bills limiting class-action lawsuits, a cherished goal of the tort reformers, didn’t get through the legislature, and a law that would limit manufacturers’ liability for defective products died before reaching the floor.
posted by gary ashwill at 1:41 PM | Email this post | Post a Comment
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CHRIS KROMM blogs three days a week for Facing South. He is Executive Director of the Institute for Southern Studies and publisher of the Institute’s award-winning magazine, Southern Exposure.

R. NEAL blogs two days a week for Facing South. Based in Knoxville, TN, R. Neal formerly ran the popular blog South Knox Bubba. He is now coordinator of KnoxViews.

SUE STURGIS blogs three days a week for Facing South. The editorial coordinator of the Institute's Gulf Coast Reconstruction Watch website, she is a freelance reporter who lives and works in Raleigh, NC.

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