AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 29 and Title 37, relative to civil liability.
Impact
The modification is expected to have substantial effects on civil litigation in the state. By raising the financial threshold for civil liability, SB2558 could reduce the number of smaller claims that are pursued in the courts. This could result in fewer cases being taken up by the judicial system, potentially leading to a more focused consideration of outstanding claims that exceed the new threshold. Proponents of the bill argue that this change will streamline the judicial processes and reduce frivolous lawsuits, promoting a more efficient legal environment.
Summary
Senate Bill 2558 seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated specifically focusing on civil liability provisions. The bill proposes to increase the financial thresholds related to civil liability from ten thousand dollars ($10,000) to fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000). This adjustment signifies an important change in the landscape of civil liability in Tennessee, elevating the minimum amount that may be contested in court and potentially influencing the decisions of individuals contemplating legal action under civil claims.
Contention
There are considerations regarding the implications of this increase on access to justice. Critics of SB2558 may voice concerns that raising the threshold could deter individuals with legitimate but modest claims from pursuing their cases. The disparity created by this change could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals who may have valid civil complaints but lack the resources to engage in a lengthy legal battle for amounts that now fall under the new higher threshold. Such contention raises fundamental questions regarding equality before the law and access to legal redress.