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HARRISBURG — The Republican-controlled House of Representatives on Monday overwhelmingly approved a bill that would limit the liability of multiple defendants in civil judgments in Pennsylvania, sending the measure on to an uncertain fate in the Senate.
The “fair-share” legislation, supported by statewide business groups and opposed by trial lawyers, won final House approval on a 112-88 vote.
Proponents said the bill would fix an unfair law and make Pennsylvania more attractive to prospective employers.
But members of the Democratic minority sought to cast the bill as an attack on victims and to portray defendants in civil cases as “wrongdoers.”
They also made a series of motions — all rejected by lopsided margins by — aimed at allowing them to offer amendments that fell by the wayside when the GOP used a parliamentary maneuver to cut off debate last week.
“Who are we here for?” asked Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Philadelphia.. “Are we here for victims, or just for defendants, in civil litigation?”
Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, said many victims of crime rely on civil litigation for compensation not available in the criminal justice system for medical expenses or counseling.
“We haven’t had a full debate on this,” Sturla said.
Majority Leader Mike Turzai said the bill is about apportioning damages among multiple defendants in civil judgments after a jury has decided each defendant’s share of responsibility.
He said amendments were thoroughly discussed in the Appropriations Committee and on the floor.