February 14, 2006

Senator Dan Webster (R-Winter Garden) has now filed SB 2006 which will repeal joint and several liability for negligence cases in the State of Florida. This legislation is the number one priority for the 2006 session of AIF and the Florida Coalition for Legal Reform. For the first time ever, the entire business community is united behind this single piece of legislation that is critical to the continued success of Florida’s business climate and economy. This legislation will create a fair and predictable judicial system, which is crucial for attracting new business and keeping established businesses in our state.

In the House of Representatives, the companion legislation is already moving through committees. Representative Don Brown (R-DeFuniak Springs) is the sponsor of HB 145 which is the identical companion to Senator Webster’s SB 2006. HB 145 has already passed the House Judiciary Committee and will be heard in the House Justice Council next Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at 9:00am in Morris Hall.

AIF salutes the commitment of Senator Webster and Representative Brown for their leadership on this issue that is so critical to Florida’s future.