Class Action Lawsuit Bill Stalled

The compromise Class Action Reform Bill presently before Congress (known as S2062) concerns many manufacturing groups and trade associations. Introduced in February for consideration on the senate floor, the legislation is heavily supported by the Chamber of Commerce and would expand federal court jurisdiction over large, multi-state class actions filed in state court The legislation fell one vote short last October, but the current bill was stalled because the senate wanted to finish work on the Department of Defense Appropriations bill before moving forward. Supported by a few democrats who added compromise provisions, it looks as if there may be a clear path to passage. Many trade associations are very concerned about class action lawsuits because ultimately those lawsuits can impact their members on many volatile matters including OSHA issues. This reform legislation is a relatively infrequent instance where Congress may use its legislative power to heavily influence how the courts operate procedurally on a subject that has direct importance for many manufacturers, trade associations and businesses.