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Lawmakers hear bill to bar civil suits by people convicted while committing crimes
Summary
Representative Curtis Schomer introduced HB 521 to broadly bar people convicted of crimes from recovering civil damages for injuries suffered during commission of those crimes; trial lawyers and civil-rights advocates warned the change would remove long-standing civil protections and could prevent victims from recovering in many scenarios.
Representative Curtis Schomer presented House Bill 521, a bill designed to block people convicted of crimes from bringing civil claims to recover damages for injuries or losses that occurred during the commission of those crimes.
Schomer framed the bill as protecting victims and preventing criminals from using the civil system to profit from wrongdoing. "If you commit a crime, you should not be allowed to sue the victim," said Kerry Hegerberg of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, testifying in support.
Opp…
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