Senate subcommittee hears sharp divide on joint-and-several reform and nonparty names on verdict forms in S.244

Senate Judiciary Subcommittee members heard competing testimony on provisions of Senate Bill 244 that would change South Carolina's joint-and-several liability rules and allow juries to place unnamed at-fault nonparties on verdict forms.

Supporters said the changes aim to prevent defendants from being required to pay more than their share of damages and to restore fairness under apportionment rules. Opponents said the proposal would increase litigation, threaten small businesses and strip long-standing procedural protections for defendants.

The bill summary presented to the panel said, "This bill would amend the joint and several liability statutes, repeal the right of contribution, codify dram shop law, and require training for those who serve alcohol." Sharon, a staff presenter, listed the joint-and-several change first and…