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Committee hears hours of testimony on bill to cut statute of limitations, cap non‑economic damages and admit seat‑belt evidence
Summary
Supporters of Senate Bill 2206 told the Senate Judiciary Committee the measure would lower legal exposure for motor carriers by cutting the statute of limitations to two years, capping non‑economic damages at $500,000 and allowing juries to consider seat‑belt use; opponents said the changes would unfairly limit victims and impede full recovery.
Senate Bill 2206 drew lengthy testimony from trucking industry representatives, trade groups and local businesses who said changes are needed to curb so‑called "nuclear verdicts" and stabilize insurance costs, and from trial lawyers, a victims' advocate and family members who said the bill would limit victims' rights and leave seriously injured people without adequate compensation.
Senator Cole Conley (District 12) introduced the bill and said it responded to concerns raised by the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association. Scott Meske, representing the North Dakota Motor Carriers Association, described three principal provisions: a reduction in the statute of limitations for actions against motor carriers from six years to two years (the bill would require only that a case be filed within two years, not resolved), a $500,000 cap on non‑economic damages in…
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