Happy Valley Times

The Senate has approved Senate Bill 1300, a measure introduced by Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35), aimed at reforming the limitations on damages in catastrophic cases involving permanent dismemberment or death when individuals sue the commonwealth or local government entities.

This legislation seeks to establish an increased limit on such damages. For the past ten years, there have been ongoing efforts to overturn the existing limitation in Pennsylvania’s Appellate Courts. The bill offers what its supporters consider a fiscally responsible approach to addressing issues currently before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. It aims to protect both the authority of the General Assembly and the fiscal stability of government entities from potential judicial interference.

Senator Langerholc emphasized, "This bill will ensure that our commonwealth and local governments are not subject to unlimited damages that could defund our police, fire, emergency, and government services."

Senate Bill 1300 has garnered support from a wide range of stakeholders including:

- Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry

- Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS)

- Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs

- County Commissioners of Pennsylvania

- Pennsylvania Municipal League

- Pennsylvania Coalition for Civil Justice Reform

- Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

- Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association

- Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

- Port Authority of Allegheny County (Pittsburgh Regional Transit)

- State Association of Transportation Insurance

For further information, contact Gwenn Dando.