Class Action Lawsuits Bill Advanced in Oregon House

The state House has approved a measure changing the way Oregon handles class-action lawsuits.

Two Republicans joined all Democrats present in approving the measure 35-22 on Monday. The Republicans were Julie Parrish of West Linn and Vic Gilliam of Silverton.

Democrats have put the measure on a fast track over objections from critics who say it will upend Oregon’s legal procedures for handling class-action lawsuits.

Class-action suits involve multiple people who were harmed in the same way by a defendant.

Democrats say their legislation would keep businesses from keeping money obtained illegally. The measure’s critics say it could lead to companies paying damages for people who were never actually harmed.

The measure goes next to the Senate.