JACKSON - Jury awards of punitive damages against business would be capped at 4 percent of the company's net worth in legislation passed Wednesday by the Mississippi House.
The House action is another in series of attempts to conclude a special session that began Sept. 5.
Rep. Percy Watson, D-Hattiesburg, said the new legislation combines into one place all the issues addressed by the House in separate bills. Senate leaders said they wanted a single comprehensive bill.
The Senate returns to the state Capitol today. Lawmakers took a lengthy weekend break to allow House and Senate leaders work out differences.
Rep. George Flaggs, D-Vicksburg, said folks at home were getting as weary as the lawmakers as the special session dragged on.
"For the first time in my 16 years, my people are telling me to come home," Flaggs said.
Watson said he hoped the Senate would act swiftly.
"We have incorporated what the House has already passed with some provisions we have discussed with various Senate leaders to try to reach some compromise," Watson said.
The House passed the bill 101-18. Senate leaders said Wednesday they would look at it when it arrives.
Punitive damages are awarded in addition to compensation for injuries to punish defendants in a lawsuit - either individuals or corporations - that juries consider especially negligent or a threat to public interest.
Watson said the 4 percent cap was across the board.
"It does not matter how large or small a company is," he said.
On the issue of venue, the bill would provide that a lawsuit is to be filed in the county where the alleged wrongful act occurred or where the individual filing the lawsuit lives. The Senate wants the lawsuit to be filed where the action occurred.
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