Oklahoma GOP leaders support Texas-style tort reform

<br>(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin and Republican leaders in the Legislature support a plan to limit damages in civil lawsuits. <br><br>Fallin, Representative Todd Hiett

Wednesday, January 7th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin and Republican leaders in the Legislature support a plan to limit damages in civil lawsuits.

Fallin, Representative Todd Hiett and Senator James Williamson announced their plans today.

Texas law limits damages in medical malpractice and class-action lawsuits. It also limits a practice called ``forum shopping'' in which those filing a lawsuit look for a court most favorable to them.

Democratic Senator Stratton Taylor recently drew criticism for a letter offering to assist Texas lawyers in cases they file in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry says he's already reviewing lawsuit reform and looks forward to reading the proposal from Republican lawmakers.