GOP lawmaker proposes limits on civil liability

A Republican legislator is pushing a business-backed package of changes to the state's legal system that she says would result in economic development and jobs.

Sen. Julianne Ortman, R-Chanhassen, said the reforms would benefit businesses and consumers.

One bill would shorten the statute of limitations for filing civil lawsuits from six years to four years. Another would create an automatic appeal to all class action lawsuit certifications.

"If these businesses are holding back funds or paying insurance costs for potential liabilities, they're passing those costs along to consumers," said Ortman. "So this consumer friendly. We're going to try and reduce the costs for all Minnesotans who are involved in litigation in our courts, and that's good for all Minnesotans."

Several Democrats oppose the bills. Sen. Ron Latz, DFL-St. Louis Park, said the measures are anti-consumer and would make it harder for victims to get justice.