WHEREAS, a fair and efficient legal system free from frivolous and abusive litigation is necessary for a vibrant economy and access to affordable healthcare; and

WHEREAS, reasonable caps on damages protect consumers from the rising costs of – and diminishing access to – products and services that result from lawsuit abuse; and

WHEREAS, victims who suffer losses – not their attorneys – should receive the majority of damage awards; and

WHEREAS, lawsuits filed in a timely fashion promote fairness for all parties; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with the intent of the framers of the United States Constitution, cases involving residents of different states should be tried in federal court; and

WHEREAS, individuals suffer the most damaging effects of frivolous lawsuits as the cost of products and services rises due to the exorbitant increases in insurance costs; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-Second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that this body requests Hawaii's congressional delegation to support meaningful class action reform and medical malpractice liability reform, as well as any other legal reform legislation in the United States Congress; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the members of Hawaii's congressional delegation.

Report Title:

Federal tort reform; Request congressional delegation to support