H_JUD_2019A 03/12/2019 02:18:33 PM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Garnett, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 19-109, concerning adjustments to limitations on damages to reflect the effects of inflation.  The following persons testified regarding the bill:

Mr. Christopher Reeves, representing the Colorado Civil Justice League, testified in opposition to the bill.  Mr. Reeves discussed cost impacts on small businesses.

Mr. Patrick Boyle, representing the Association of Property and Casualty Insurers, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Boyle discussed insurance premium increases in Colorado, and the potential impact of the bill on these costs. Discussion ensued regarding prejudgment interest.

Ms. Debbie Taussig, representing the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, testified in support of SB 19-109.

Ms. Kari Jones Dulin, representing the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, testified in support of the bill. She rebutted earlier testimony.

Mr. Kristian Roggendorf, representing Coloradans for Legal Freedom, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Roggendorf discussed the erosion of the value of a monetary settlement by time.  Discussion ensued regarding the effect of civil damage limitations on insurance rates, and an assertion made during previous testimony that a plaintiff might wait to file a lawsuit to maximize prejudgment interest.

Ms. Helen Raleigh, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Raleigh discussed the loss of her unborn child due to malpractice, and cited statistics on damage caps in other states.

No amendments were offered to SB 19-109.  Representative Garnett provided closing remarks in support of the bill.

Representative Tipper explained her motives for reconsidering the March 7 motion to postpone indefinitely Senate Bill 19-014. Representative Tipper noted the positions of some stakeholders on reconsideration.  Discussion ensued regarding the reconsideration motion.

Discussion ensued regarding the necessity for certain language in SB 19-014.

Representative Carver explained the effect of amendment L.008 (Attachment A). Discussion ensued regarding further potential amendments during second reading of the bill.