Committee considers litigation reform bills

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Opponents of a pair of Republican-backed litigation reform bills argue that the proposals will gut consumer protection laws and effectively stop the filing of lawsuits against companies that break the law.

One measure heard by a state Assembly committee Friday would limit the amount plaintiff’s attorneys can charge in some cases to three times the amount of any compensatory award.

Another would lower the amount of interest that people who successfully sue for injuries can collect on their judgments, while the higher interest rate would remain for judgments awarded to banks and credit card companies.

The bills are supported by Gov. Scott Walker as part of a special session he called designed to create jobs.

But opponents say the bills will not create jobs and instead will harm consumers.