Pearce hopes fiction mirrors reality as he advocates Prop. 114
Former Senate President Russell Pearce is citing an urban legend that was a punch line in a Jim Carrey comedy to rally support for a ballot measure that bars criminals from suing their victims.
Tort measures having mixed success
Conservative Republicans who dominate the Legislature say the timing is right to overhaul Arizona’s civil justice system, arguing the changes are needed to improve the state’s business climate.
But so far, their success has been mixed.
Legislature’s reputation for tort reform continues to grow
Two bills last week took one more step down the path to bolstering our state’s reputation for enjoying a legal environment that is welcoming to business. One bill got the headlines, but they’re both an important component of Arizona’s ongoing civil justice reform efforts.
Regulate lawsuit lenders
Lawsuit lenders would prefer to remain beyond the reach of Arizona’s consumer protection regulations. An important bill now pending in the House would appropriately subject lawsuit loans to the same regulatory limits that are imposed on other consumer loans, and, not surprisingly, lawsuit lenders are fighting tooth and nail to kill it.
Business group to focus on regulatory, tort, tax reform
With old battles settled, business advocates are turning their attention to some of the more “niche” issues for the business community during the 2012 legislative session.
Harper looks to protect teachers against punitive-damage awards
State lawmakers are setting their sights on tort reform measures aimed at protecting educators and capping civil litigation awards arising from cases of death and injury. The two referendums, SCR 1001 and SCR 1003, have been introduced by Surprise Republican Sen. Jack Harper, who said he is seeking to guard educators, businesses and public entities from overzealous litigation.