State House passes civil justice measure -- again

Friday, April 28th 2006, 6:09 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma House passed a measure that would change the state's civil justice system to help stop frivolous lawsuits and lower medical malpractice insurance rates.

This is the second time this year the state House has passed such legislation. House members voted 24-30 Thursday for the bill.

The first bill was killed last month by Democrats in a state Senate committee.

The measure is a top priority of Republican House Speaker Todd Hiett and has been criticized by Democrats.

The Democrats attempted to amend the bill to remove a $300,000 cap on non-economic damages.

The bill also includes liability protection for volunteers working for charities and teachers to prevent them from being sued for disciplining a student.