FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—March 30, 2006
Contact: Ginny Smith
202-463-5824
U.S. Chamber Cheers Senate Passage of Bill to Repeal 'Deep Pockets' Doctrine
Lisa Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, issued the following statement today regarding passage of S. 2006 by a vote of 27 to 13 in the Florida Senate:
"The bill passed today by the Senate marks a key victory in the fight to restore fairness and balance to Florida's courts.
"The legislature has helped to balance the scales of justice by repealing the joint and several liability doctrine that unjustly leaves 'deep pocket' defendants holding the bag for more than their fair share of liability.
"With tourism as its primary industry, Florida knows how to attract people to their state. The best thing a state can do to attract business is to have a fair legal system, and by repealing joint and several liability, Florida now has an advantage in attracting jobs and investment too.
"We commend the leadership of Senate President Tom Lee and those senators who chose fairness over jackpot justice and trial lawyer special interests by passing this bill. House Speaker Allan Bense and his fellow legislators should also be recognized for sending this much-needed legislation to the Senate. We look forward to the enactment of this new law by Governor Bush."