Friday, May 9, 2008

House Republican Responds to Henry Lawsuit Reform Veto

Rep. Dan Sullivan noted that the language in HB 2458 is similar to wording from last year’s lawsuit reform legislation, SB 507. At that time, Henry said the bill “contained some positive provisions,” and cited caps on noneconomic damages as his primary concern with the legislation. He did not identify certificate of merit as a portion of the bill he opposed when he vetoed the bill, said Sullivan.

Henry pledged to bring “Texas-Plus” lawsuit reform to Oklahoma and then campaigned in favor of the issue during the 2006 governor’s race.

“Gov. Henry has consistently stated that he is in favor of lawsuit reform yet has repeatedly vetoed what we have sent to him,” said Sullivan, R-Tulsa. “I am very disappointed that language he agreed with last year has now fallen prey to his veto pen.

“It appears the powers that have heavily invested in the status quo have won another victory and the citizens of Oklahoma have lost yet another opportunity to bring reform to our legal system.”

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