Pennsylvania Lawmakers To Vote On Lawsuit Liability Bill

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - The Pennsylvania House is expected to vote next week a bill that would make a major change to state lawsuit liability rules.

House Bill 1 would change the state "joint and several" liability law so that plaintiffs who win legal judgments in cases that involve multiple defendants would not be able to collect the entire award from any one defendant. Democrats like Philadelphia's Mark Cohen oppose the change.

"We believe that House Bill 1 does hinder people in the exercise of their legal rights."

Chester County Republican Curt Schroder is the prime sponsor of the bill.

"Let's remember that Pennsylvania is one of only nine states not to have reformed its joint and several liability law."

The House yesterday debated amendments to the bill for several hours, and Democrats complained bitterly when Republicans used a parliamentary procedure to cut off that debate. A final House vote on the measure is expected next week.

Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio