Senate Passes Bill Limiting Damages, Protecting Taxpayers

HARRISBURG - The Senate today passed Senate Bill 1300, sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) which would reform the limitations on damages for catastrophic cases.

This legislation establishes an increased limit on damages when individuals sue the commonwealth or local government entities in instances of permanent dismemberment or death.

For the past decade, attempts to overturn the current limitation in Pennsylvania's Appellate Courts have persisted. This bill provides a fiscally responsible solution to the urgent issue facing the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. It proactively safeguards the authority of the General Assembly and protects the fiscal stability of both the commonwealth and local government entities from judicial interference.

"This bill will ensure that our commonwealth and local governments are not subject to unlimited damages that could defund our police, fire, emergency, and government services," said Langerholc.

Senate Bill 1300 is supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders including:

Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS)
Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs
County Commissioners of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Municipal League
Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)
Port Authority of Allegheny County (Pittsburgh Regional Transit)
State Association of Transportation Insurance

CONTACT:
Gwenn Dando