WASHINGTON, D.C.-Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), made the following statement about West Virginia’s legislature passing a landmark bill to reform the state’s joint and several liability laws, and urging Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin to sign House Bill 2002 into law:

“We applaud West Virginia’s legislature for paving the way for more jobs and a brighter economic future for the state’s citizens. This bill will promote legal fairness by properly allocating fault to all parties involved in a lawsuit.

“While the problems facing the state’s civil justice system cannot be solved overnight, we wish to recognize the legislature’s efforts in approving this significant and historic legislation that will benefit all West Virginians. We commend the House and Senate leadership for their hard work and ongoing commitment to bring more balance to the state’s courts and increased job opportunities to its residents. We urge the governor to swiftly sign these landmark reforms into law.”

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.

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