Rep. Girod Introduces Tort Reform Legislation to Protect Religious, Nonprofit Organizations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2007
CONTACT: Lori Caston 503-986-1417
Proposes constitutional amendments to limit non-economic damage awards
SALEM – Rep. Fred Girod (R-Lyons) today introduced two constitutional amendments to protect religious and nonprofit organizations from excessive non-economic damage awards. The proposed amendments, HJR 16 and HJR 17, limit the awards to $1 million for both types of organizations.
“This legislation is in response to the recent wave of multi-million dollar judgments that have historically have largely served to benefit lawyers, not victims,” Rep. Girod said.
The proposed limits apply only to non-economic judgements, such as findings of personal inconvenience and interference with usual activities not related to employment. Awards for economic damages would not be affected.
“My goal is to protect nonprofit and religious entities from catastrophic judgments, yet allow fair settlements to victims. This is the first step to comprehensive tort reform policy,” Rep. Girod said.
If approved by the Legislature, the amendments would be referred to Oregon voters at the next regular general election.
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