Legislation that would allow the state to sell the revoked Foxwoods gaming license to the highest bidder has been approved by the House Gaming Oversight Committee. Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester), sponsor of House Bill 65, said that by opening up the bidding and allowing the casino to be located anywhere in the state, the Commonwealth could maximize its benefit from the transfer of this gaming license. Chuck Nichols reports, wrap and stand alone bite available.

Legislation that will provide lawsuit abuse reform in Pennsylvania has been signed into law. The Fair Share Act eliminates joint liability in cases where defendants are less than 60% responsible for damages, and implements a system where defendants will only pay the percentage of damages for which they are responsible. Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester) said that this law will correct the inequities that have been levied on marginally responsible parties who have been forced to pay for the wrongdoings of others. Chuck Nichols Reports – Story and Bite available.

An investigating grand jury looking into allegations of corruption and mismanagement at the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has released a report that makes specific recommendations to change the way the oversight board does business. House Gaming Oversight Committee Chairman Curt Schroder (R-Chester) commended the work of the grand jury and said the findings confirmed his belief that the enforcement and investigation functions of the Gaming Control Board need to be moved to an independent law enforcement agency like the Attorney General’s Office. Mike Davies reports, wrap and stand alone bite available.

Legislation to bring lawsuit abuse reforms to Pennsylvania’s courts similar to those already in place in more than 40 other states was approved Monday by the Pennsylvania House. House Bill 1, known as the Fair Share Act, would ensure financial responsibilities for damages in civil lawsuits are assigned in an equitable manner. Prime sponsor of the bill Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester) said the present system for determining liability is unfair and this bill will improve the business and job climate in Pennsylvania. Mike Davies reports, wrap and stand alone bite available.

Tort Reform legislation to end frivolous lawsuits that hamper business development and job growth in Pennsylvania has been introduced in Harrisburg. Fair Share Act sponsor Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester) said the bill would reform the legal system that now allows any and all individuals or companies even tangentially involved in a civil suit to bear the full cost of liability, regardless of the level of involvement or fault. Mike Davies reports, wrap and stand alone bite available.