House Gives Initial Approval To Tort Reform Bill

A holdover issue from last year – how best to fix the medical malpractice insurance problem – returns to the House floor as Republicans use their majority status to muscle a bill to preliminary approval over objections by Democrats. House members returned to the bill they began debating last week with emotions still raw. The top Democrat, Rick Johnson of High Ridge, accuses Republicans of using parliamentary moves to shut out Democrats. House sponsor Richard Byrd of Kirkwood pledges to bring up insurance reform, but refuses to link the two. Democrats claim the bill limits access to the courts. Speaker Pro Tem Rod Jetton claims the present system limits medical care. The bill wins initial approval on an 88-54 vote. Another favorable vote sends it to the Senate.