Senate Clear Lawsuit Reform with Weakened Version
This week, the South Carolina Senate passed a diluted version of a lawsuit reform bill, with both Republican and left-of-center legislators supporting the watered-down tort bill. The bill, S. 244, aimed to amend liability laws but fell short of fixing the state’s system. Despite the efforts by majority leader Shane Massey, the final legislation did not make the state’s courts fairer or more competitive.
The bill modified joint and several liability laws, but still left defendants responsible for significant damages. Notably, the legislation also increased requirements for liquor liability insurance for establishments and minimum coverage for automobile insurance policies, potentially leading to higher costs for taxpayers and businesses.
Critics of the bill argue that the Senate missed an opportunity to make meaningful changes to the state’s tort climate, which imposes a heavy financial burden on families. With the lack of gubernatorial leadership and the influence of trial lawyers in the legislature, comprehensive lawsuit reform remains a challenge for South Carolina.
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