Representatives of the medical community and trial attorneys have spent a good part of the day in Governor Bob Holden’s Office, discussing suggestions for tort reform legislation that might be presented during a September special session of the Legislature. State Representative Richard Byrd of Kirkwood, the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, had hoped to attend today’s meeting, but was prevented from entering the room in which the gathering was being held. Byrd says his entry was blocked by members of the Governor’s staff – acting on the Governor’s orders – even though several of the doctors attending had asked that he be allowed to join them to explain some of the legal issues. Holden did not stay for the entire meeting. A spokesman said the Governor would not be available for comment on the gathering.
