HARRISBURG, Pa., June 5, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry commends members of the State House for taking the first major legislative step towards addressing the most erroneous aspect of the Commonwealth's Civil Justice system by voting in favor of the Fair Share Act last night, 119-78.
Current Pennsylvania law states that a company found even 1% liable in a civil suit can be held 100% financially responsible. The result is that litigants often go after companies with "deep pockets" putting Pennsylvania at a severe economic disadvantage with regard to creating and retaining jobs. If passed into law, the Fair Share Act would modify Pennsylvania's archaic legal doctrine of Joint and Several Liability by adopting Proportional Liability based on the percentage of fault.
"Pennsylvania employers have repeatedly told us that repealing Joint and Several Liability is a major priority and the Chamber is pleased to see support on this economically critical issue," said PA Chamber President Floyd Warner. "This legislation will go a long way towards putting the Commonwealth on an equal footing with our leading competitor states. Those taking action in the State House to bring a broader sense of fairness to our legal system deserve special credit for sending a clear message to businesses and employees across our state and the nation that Pennsylvania is serious about retaining and attracting high-quality, family-sustaining jobs."
The legislation now goes to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. Both houses of the General Assembly are working towards passing Joint and Several Liability reform legislation by the end of June. Governor Schweiker has indicated he would sign such a bill.
For more information about the need for lawsuit abuse reform in Pennsylvania visit www.protectPAjobs.com.
With over 10,000 members representing every county in the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association and the fastest-growing state chamber in the United States.