WI
Wisconsin Senate Bill SB613

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB613

Introduced
11/7/23  
Refer
11/7/23  
Report Pass
2/15/24  
Engrossed
2/20/24  
Enrolled
2/29/24  
Vetoed
3/29/24  

Caption

Limiting the recovery of noneconomic damages from a commercial motor vehicle carrier.

Impact

The bill is expected to alter the landscape of tort liability concerning commercial vehicle carriers in Wisconsin. By placing a ceiling on noneconomic damage awards, it could reduce the financial risks for commercial carriers and potentially lower insurance premiums. Proponents argue that this is vital for ensuring the economic viability of the transportation industry, making it less risky for carriers to operate across the state. However, critics contend that this places undue hardship on victims of severe accidents by limiting their compensation and could lead to further legal challenges.

Summary

Senate Bill 613 aims to create a limit on the recovery of noneconomic damages—such as pain and suffering—resulting from actions or omissions by employees of commercial motor vehicle carriers. The proposed legislation caps these damages at $1,000,000 for civil tort actions related to injury, death, or loss. This means that individuals affected by accidents involving commercial vehicles would have a significantly lower potential compensation for noneconomic losses, which could include emotional distress or loss of companionship, compared to what might have been awarded previously without such a cap.

Contention

Discussion surrounding SB 613 has revealed notable points of contention among legislators and advocacy groups. Supporters highlight the need for economic protection for businesses, citing concerns that high damage awards could lead to increased costs and discourage commercial transport operations. Conversely, opponents emphasize the bill's possible detrimental effect on accident victims' rights and their ability to seek full accountability for losses incurred. This tension indicates a broader debate about balancing liability protections for businesses against the rights of individuals who sustain injuries.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI AB647

Limiting the recovery of noneconomic damages from a commercial motor vehicle carrier.

WI HB05145

An Act Limiting The Recovery Of Noneconomic Damages By Uninsured Motorists.

WI AB872

Recovery of noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases.

WI SF77

A bill for an act relating to tort liability in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, including employer liability, noneconomic damages, punitive damages, and exemplary damages.

WI SF2224

A bill for an act relating to tort liability in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, including employer liability, noneconomic damages, punitive damages, and exemplary damages.

WI HF201

A bill for an act relating to tort liability, including employer liability and noneconomic damages in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, and punitive or exemplary damages in civil actions generally.(Formerly HSB 114.)

WI SSB1114

A bill for an act relating to tort liability, including employer liability and noneconomic damages in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, and punitive or exemplary damages in civil actions generally.(See SF 228.)

WI HSB114

A bill for an act relating to tort liability, including employer liability and noneconomic damages in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles, and punitive or exemplary damages in civil actions generally.(See HF 201.)

WI HB195

Revise noneconomic damages in medical malpractice actions

WI SB583

Relating to employer liability and damages in civil actions involving commercial motor vehicles

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.