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Senate approves delay in expanding governmental immunity caps to allow interim study
Summary
Senators passed first substitute SB113 to raise caps on government immunity but delayed the bill's effective date by 18 months so an interim study can examine establishing a local government risk pool and the role of punitive damages.
Senator Stevenson outlined first substitute SB113, which would expand the cap on governmental immunity and delay the effective date for 18 months to permit an interim study of forming a local government risk pool and reassessing whether pain-and-suffering and punitive damages should be allowed in certain cases.
Supporters emphasized the need to give cities and counties time to study potential insurance and liability implications. Senator Thomas declared a recorded conflict of interest as a county attorney but said he would vote in favor to allow time for study. Committee members noted concerns about potential premium impacts for local governments but accepted the delayed effective date as a vehicle for further analysis.
The Senate reported that SB113 passed the body by a 28'0 to 0 margin and was referred to the House for further action.
