Legislature Completes Work On Tort Reform And Workers’ Comp

Two major pieces of legislation pass the General Assembly and head for the Governor’s desk just prior to the annual Spring break. Litigation reform and workers’ compensation reform have both passed the Legislature. Litigation reform passes easily in the House, despite criticism from Democrats that Republicans allowed business lobbyists to actively participate during House-Senate negotiations to hammer our differences on the bill. Sponsor Richard Byrd of Kirkwood denies lobbyists had undue influence and says Democrats have selective memories, pointing out special interests were active in last year’s elections, trying to kill the legislation before the session started. Republican leaders made passage of the two pieces a priority for the Legislature as it wraps up work before leaving for its one-week break.