Today, Governor Scott Walker signed into law the tort reform legislation (see enrolled bill). Here is WisconsinEye’s video coverage of the bill signing ceremony, which includes remarks made by Governor Walker discussing the legislation.

Below are photos of Wisconsin Civil Justice Council members at the bill signing ceremony:

WCJC President and NFIB State Director, Bill G. Smith shaking hands with Governor Walker. Also included in the photo is WCJC Vice President, James Buchen (WMC), and WCJC Board member, Eric Borgerding (Wisconsin Hospital Association).

WCJC Vice President, James Buchen (WMC) with Governor Walker.

WCJC Board member, Ed Lump (Wisconsin Restaurant Association) shaking hands with Governor Walker, along WRA member, Tom Saxe (center).

WCJC lobbyist, Andrew Cook, with Governor Walker:

The Wisconsin Senate is scheduled to vote on Special Session Senate Bill 1, relating to civil liability reform, on Tuesday, January 18. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday, January 14, voted 3-2 to move the bill to the floor. The bill was amended by the Republicans to address issues raised by opponents of the legislation.

Specifically, the amendment:

• Removes the retroactive application of the civil liability provisions.
• Clarifies that the Daubert standards are to be identical to those comparable provisions contained in Federal Rules of Evidence 702.
• Deletes provisions setting forth new standards for the application of punitive damages and adds a cap to punitive damages of $200,000 or two times compensatory damages, whichever is greater.

WCJC fully supports each of these changes. The Assembly Judiciary Committee is also scheduled to hold an Executive Session on Tuesday to vote the bill out of committee and move it to the full Assembly.

A story about the changes made by the Senate can be read here.