HARRISBURG, Pa., June 19, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry applauded Governor Mark Schweiker today as he signed into law the Fair Share Act (SB-1089) earlier this afternoon. This landmark legislation will significantly reform the Commonwealth's inefficient and unfair legal doctrine of joint and several liability, and represents the first major step in an ongoing effort to reform Pennsylvania's legal system.
"The competition for jobs, growth and vitality among states has never been fiercer," said PA Chamber President Warner. "With our Commonwealth's economic future hanging in the balance, enactment of the Fair Share Act represents the culmination of more than two decades of work to enact meaningful lawsuit abuse reform legislation. By signing this historic legislation into law, Governor Schweiker has joined the General Assembly in protecting jobs, consumers and businesses across the state by calling for fairness, common sense and personal responsibility in our legal system."
Joint and several liability is a rule of law that 35 other states have already changed because of the detrimental impact it has on economic development. Study after study demonstrates that repeal of this legal doctrine will greatly stimulate job creation and, in the process, improve Pennsylvania's economy with absolutely no budgetary impact.
While joint and several liability will still apply to any defendant found 60% or more liable for causing an injury, it will not apply in situations where a defendant has a lesser degree of responsibility. It will also still apply in any case where the defendant's negligence resulted from fraud or an intentional act.
"This legislation goes a long way towards putting the Commonwealth on an equal footing with our leading competitor states," concluded Warner. "It sends a clear message to businesses and employees across our state and the nation that our legal system is no longer held hostage to the deep pockets, but more importantly that Pennsylvania is serious about retaining and attracting high-quality, family-sustaining jobs. Once again, the PA Chamber applauds the unity among the business community, as demonstrated by the efforts of the Pennsylvania Business Roundtable, the NFIB, the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association and Pennsylvania Law Watch. We especially would like to congratulate Governor Schweiker, Senators Harold Mowery and Jeff Piccola and Representatives John Perzel and Mike Turzai on a job well done."
With over 10,000 members representing every county in the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association and the fastest-growing state chamber in the United States.