State House Approves Civil Justice Reform Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma House votes largely along party lines to pass a civil justice reform bill.<br/><br/>Republican author Dan Sullivan said Tuesday the bill would make Oklahoma's legal

Wednesday, April 18th 2007, 6:27 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma House votes largely along party lines to pass a civil justice reform bill.

Republican author Dan Sullivan said Tuesday the bill would make Oklahoma's legal system more reasonable.

Among other provisions, the measure would protect restaurants, food manufacturers and growers from obesity lawsuits and require people to make a conscious decision to become part of a class-action lawsuit. Currently, individuals can be included in class-action lawsuits without their knowledge.

Democrats who oppose the measure say it will protect wrongdoers whose negligence injures innocent victims. Oklahoma City Democrat Scott Inman called it, quote, "a bill of goods that you should not buy."

The measure had the backing of The State Chamber and passed 57-39. It now goes to the state Senate for consideration of state House amendments.