WASHINGTON, D.C. – South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley received the 2011 State Leadership Award at the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform’s (ILR) 12th Annual Legal Reform Summit for her unwavering commitment to legal reform in the Palmetto State. In 2011, Governor Haley shepherded the South Carolina Fairness in Civil Justice Act to passage, a major step in reforming South Carolina’s legal standards and improving the business climate.
“We’re thrilled to honor Governor Haley with our State Leadership Award,” said Lisa A. Rickard, President of ILR. “Her successful efforts to pass important legal reform legislation in South Carolina will make her state more competitive in recruiting new businesses while offering certainty and stability to current ones.”
The South Carolina Fairness in Civil Justice Act caps most punitive damage awards at $500,000 or three times actual costs, whichever is greater, with a special exception to raise the award in extraordinary circumstances.
The 2011 State Leadership Award is the latest addition to Governor Haley’s impressive list of acknowledgements. She has been named a “Friend of the Taxpayer” by the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers and received the “Palmetto Leadership Award” from the South Carolina Policy Council for her expertise on policy matters.
Elected in 2010, Governor Haley has been a steadfast champion of job creation and revitalizing the economy.
ILR seeks to promote civil justice reform through legislative, political, judicial, and educational activities at the national, state, and local levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.