A Smidgeon of Tort Reform?

Las Cruces Sun-News - SANTA FE - Space travelers who launch from New Mexico would lose the right to sue in most cases of injury or death, under a bill endorsed Thursday by a legislative committee. The proposed law would limit lawsuits against manufacturers and suppliers of spacecraft. Virgin Galactic, the company that intends to operate flights from Spaceport America in Sierra County, already has state protection from most lawsuits. An exception in the existing and proposed laws would allow space travelers or their survivors to sue companies in cases of gross negligence. Members of the Legislature's finance oversight committee voted 12-0 to endorse the bill. Sen. Mary Kay Papen, D-Las Cruces, will cosponsor the measure during the legislative session starting in January. She said New Mexico cannot expect to be competitive in commercial space travel unless it provides liability protection for companies.

Papen said Florida and Virginia, also venturing into the business of space travel, already have laws limiting lawsuits. Those who want to journey into space will need fat bank accounts. Virgin Galactic executives say a two-hour flight originating in New Mexico will cost each passenger $200,000. Even if the bill is approved, Papen said, all travelers would have to sign releases giving up the right to bring most lawsuits against space companies. She said she was optimistic about the bill's chances because it has bipartisan support. Of the 12 committee members who endorsed it, six were Democrats and six were Republicans. But Papen said bills to restrict lawsuits often face opposition in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Read full story here: News New Mexico

A Smidgeon of Tort Reform?