Governor Brad Henry promises push on tort reform

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma Legislature began its final week Monday with Gov. Brad Henry promising to turn up the heat to pass a "meaningful" bill on lawsuit reform.<br/><br/>Henry also called on

Monday, May 24th 2004, 5:42 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma Legislature began its final week Monday with Gov. Brad Henry promising to turn up the heat to pass a "meaningful" bill on lawsuit reform.

Henry also called on lawmakers to enact his proposal to raise teacher pay to the regional average over five years.

"These initiatives are top priorities in my legislative agenda and I intend to pass them before adjournment. Both are critical to the future of Oklahoma," Henry said.

The Democratic governor said "the stakeholders need to work a little harder" on getting agreements on lawsuit reform, adding that "too many lines have been drawn in the sand" on key issues.

He said he hopes their final product will be "very similar to the bill we proposed in February."

That measure proposed a $300,000 cap on pain and suffering and other changes similar to legislation enacted in Texas. It is supported by the Oklahoma Medical Association and business groups, while it is opposed to some legal organizations and consumer advocates.

A House-Senate conference committee scheduled a meeting on the bill after Monday's adjournment.

Rep. Jari Askins, D-Duncan, vice chairman of the panel, said believes a bill with "significant changes" will be sent to the floor of the House and Senate.

"I think the bill will provide important relief for doctors and the medical community," Askins said.

She said she was glad Henry for Henry's attention to the measure. "I believe his active involvement will help us get the final language."

Republican leaders also have been pushing for tort reform and have doubted Henry's sincerity in trying to get major changes enacted.

Republicans also have been advocating changes in the workers' compensation system, but Henry said Monday that time may run out on passing that proposal.

He said he supports changes, "but I doubt we're going to get there this session."

For the last couple of weeks, the governor's office has concentrated its efforts on passing referendums setting up statewide votes on gaming and cigarette tax issues.