Bill on frivolous lawsuits clears panel

Wednesday, February 15th 2006, 6:16 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A bill that would reduce frivolous lawsuits, regulate lawyer advertising and exempt food from legal liability unless a product is defective has been passed by a state Senate committee.

Democratic Senator Charles Laster of Shawnee says his Lawsuit Responsibility Act would give judges more authority to dismiss lawsuits deemed to be frivolous.

Laster thinks that some commercials by lawyers promote irresponsibility by suggesting that if you sue, you'll win a settlement.

One Republican senator says the only problem with Laster's bill is that it doesn't go far enough. Glenn Coffee of Oklahoma City says the bill doesn't do what is needed to protect doctors and businesses from lawsuit abuse.

The bill was approved Tuesday and now will go to the full state Senate.