Senate committee advances bill barring counsel from suggesting non‑economic damage amounts to juries
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Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to pass SB 413 out of committee; proponents cited 'anchoring' research while opponents urged trust in juries. Senator Bowser moved the measure; Senator Haley recorded a 'no' vote.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on the floor advanced Senate Bill 413, a measure that would prohibit attorneys from suggesting a specific amount for non‑economic damages to jurors in civil trials. The committee moved the bill out favorably after brief debate.
Supporters said the bill addresses cognitive bias. "Anchoring is a very robust phenomenon that people aren't even aware of," Senator Clays told the committee, arguing that preventing number suggestions helps juries reach fairer awards. Proponents told the committee the change is a targeted way to reduce undue influence during deliberations.
Opponents urged caution. "I don't think the proponents really brought any specific evidence that this has been problematic in Kansas," Senator Corson said, adding that juries are competent to weigh testimony. After discussion, Senator Bowser made the motion to pass SB 413 favorably out of committee; the motion carried and Senator Haley asked to have his no vote recorded.
The committee did not amend the bill during the session and took no further steps beyond the favorable report. The next procedural step is for the bill to be scheduled for consideration by the full Senate or a subsequent committee action, per legislative process.
