The North Carolina Chamber reported that House Bill 542, Tort Reform for Citizens and Businesses was introduced by Rep. Johnathan Rhyne (R-Lincoln), Rep. Danny McComas (R-New Hanover), Rep. Jim Crawford (D-Granville), and Rep. William Brisson (D-Bladen) this week.  The bill addresses a number of civil liability issues including medical malpractice, attorney fees in small claims cases, product liability, credentials for expert witnesses, and trespassing laws. Additionally, the proposed legislation would discourage plaintiffs from seeking large punitive awards by giving 75% of any award above $100,000 to the state’s education fund. The committee did not vote on the bill and thus will continue their discussions next week.  Keep your eye on this piece of legislation.

I reported in a previous blog about the opportunity presented by the Joint Committee on Regulatory Reform to make your voice heard concerning rules and regulations that create a hardship on business.  The next opportunity will be as follows

Friday, April 15
Blue Ridge Community College
Thomas Auditorium
180 West Campus Drive
Flat Rock, N.C.
Sign up to make a two minute statement: 12:30 p.m.
Meeting: 1 to 3 p.m


If you have a specific problem that you feel the committee should hear about this is your chance.  If you can't attend the meeting you can go to the committee's website (www.ncleg.net/regreform) and a form is provided for your input.