North Dakota Senate Bill SB2206

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25
• Report Pass: 1/29/25
• Refer: 1/30/25
• Report DNP: 2/4/25

Caption

Civil actions having three-year limitations.

Impact

By capping noneconomic damages, SB2206 is anticipated to alter the landscape of civil litigation against commercial motor carriers. Supporters believe this provision will encourage more businesses to engage in commercial transport without the fear of exorbitant payouts. Additionally, the ability of juries to be informed about the limitation on damages could influence the way cases are decided and reduce the frequency of lawsuits. This bill could lead to a more favorable environment for commercial service providers at the potential cost of restricting the avenues for redress for injured parties.

Summary

Senate Bill 2206 aims to modify the North Dakota Century Code concerning civil actions related to commercial motor carriers. This bill introduces a limitation on noneconomic damages in civil suits against commercial motor carriers, capping the recoverable amount at five hundred thousand dollars. This significant change is intended to provide more predictable outcomes for commercial entities involved in transportation, thus potentially reducing their liability risks. The bill also addresses the legal implications of safetybelt usage in civil actions, allowing evidence of seatbelt non-compliance to be presented in trials, impacting the assessments of negligence.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB2206 is quite polarized. Proponents argue that the bill provides necessary protections for businesses and facilitates growth within the state’s transportation sector. They emphasize the need for a stable legal framework that encourages innovation and investment. Conversely, opponents express concern that limiting damages could compromise the rights of individuals injured in accidents involving commercial vehicles, as it may lead to insufficient compensation for severe injuries or wrongful death cases. The debate reflects broader tensions between regulatory reform aimed at economic development and the protection of individual rights.

Contention

Notably, the bill's most contentious aspects center on the imposition of damage caps and the use of seatbelt compliance as a mitigating factor in negligence claims. Critics highlight that these provisions may decrease accountability for commercial entities and can lead to unjust outcomes for victims. The implications of prioritizing business interests over individual welfare resonate throughout the discussions of the bill, marking a significant shift in how these issues are legislated in North Dakota.