Lawmakers Celebrate Signing Of Tort Reform Bill

State lawmakers return from Spring break to a bill signing ceremony celebrating a major achievement in the first part of the session. Two years of frustration gave way as Republican lawmakers attended the official bill signing ceremony for the litigation reform bill. House sponsor Richard Byrd of Kirkwood finally tasted success after two years of bitter defeat. Governor Bob Holden twice vetoed litigation reform. Governor Matt Blunt signed it. Senate Majority Leader Michael Gibbons, also of Kirkwood, says voters expressed their opinion last year when litigation reform clearly became a campaign issue. Republican leaders say litigation reform will improve the business climate in Missouri, a claim they also make about changes to the workers’ compensation system – a bill Blunt is scheduled to sign this afternoon.