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Committee backs bill letting lawyers present dollar figures for non‑economic damages in closings
Summary
House Bill 1913 would allow attorneys to present mathematical formulas and lump‑sum requests for non‑economic damages during closing arguments under judicial oversight; the committee reported the bill despite objections that the change intrudes on court procedure.
Representative Brennan told the committee that House Bill 1913 aims to make non‑economic damages less abstract for juries by permitting both sides to present numerical frameworks and lump‑sum requests during closing arguments under judge‑supervised rules. "This approach is fair because it will allow both sides to argue a number," Brennan said, adding that judges retain the authority to limit improper arguments.
Counsel summarized the bill’s provisions and noted a 60‑day effective‑on date. Opponents, led by Chairman Kaufman, said the measure raises separation‑of‑powers concerns and intrudes on courtroom practice traditionally governed by the judiciary. "Under the Pennsylvania constitution, the Supreme Court has the exclusive authority to regulate the practice of law and courtroom procedure," Kaufman said, arguing the bill is unconstitutional in its present form.
Representative Bonner, speaking from experience as both plaintiff and defense counsel, described how other states handle numeric arguments and cautioned about testimonial and confrontation safeguards; he said judges and expert testimony already limit risks in trials. After discussion, the committee recorded a roll call and reported House Bill 1913 as committed.
