D7B33F3ACE5D61188725839E0071F5C0 Hearing Summary

Senator Fenberg, sponsor, explained SB19-109, concerning adjustments to limitations on damages to reflect the effects of inflation.  He discussed caps for civil damages and the need to allow them to rise with inflation instead of amending the law every few years to do so.

Michael Nimmo, representing the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, spoke in support of the bill.  He explained caps on damages and the need to account for inflation.

Stuart Jorgenson, representing Colorado Civil Justice League, testified in opposition to the bill.  He discussed insurance implications and answered questions about premiums. 

Patrick Boyle, representing Property and Casualty Insurance, testified against the measure.  He discussed insurance implications, specifically rate increases, and answered questions about premiums. 

Christopher Reeves, representing Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, spoke in opposition to the bill.  He discussed the impact on small businesses and insurance policies.  He answered questions from the committee.

Debbie Taussig, representing Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, spoke in favor of the bill.  She explained that there is no discernible correlation between caps for civil damages and increased insurance premiums. 

Ms. Taussig answered questions from the committee and discussed costs of lawsuits compared to recouped damages.

Kristian Roggendorf, representing Coloradans for Legal Freedom, testified in support of the measure.  He discussed insurance premiums, caps on damages, and the need to index for inflation.