Yesterday, the Ohio House Judiciary Committee voted to cap damages on CSPA claims to out-of-pocket expenses, plus no more than $5,000.00 in non-economic damages. It also drastically limited lead-based paint claims. The vote was along party lines. It is expected to be voted on today by the full House. If passed, it needs only “concurrence” from the Ohio Senate before going to Governor Taft for signature.
Observers have noted that this legislation is being pushed through now, prior to Governor-elect Ted Strickland taking office, because the bill would have no chance with a Democratic Governor.
Plain Dealer writer Sheryl Harris notes that, procedurally, the House Judiciary Committee is engaging in “slap dash lawmaking” and prohibiting the inclusion of valuable public input. She also notes that the legislature is trying to pass language that would “allow itself to operate in secret.” Her article is here.
You can email your Representatives and Senators by locating them through Locate Legislators. House Speaker is Jon Husted. House Majority Whip is Bill Seitz. Senate President is Bill Harris.
