Tennessee Lawsuit Damages Bill Advances in Senate

Gov. Bill Haslam’s proposal to limit lawsuit damages is advancing in the Tennessee Legislature.

The measure was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee 6-3 on Tuesday and will now be scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor. The companion bill is awaiting a House floor vote.

The Republican governor originally sought to place a $750,000 limit on non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. But the measure that advanced would raise the cap to $1 million in cases involving serious spinal cord injuries, severe burns or the death of a parent of minor children.

Haslam has said he wants to create a comfortable environment for businesses.

Opponents of the measure say damages help hold companies accountable and that a jury should set the amount.