WASHINGTON (Sept. 15, 2004) — The House passed the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2004 by a 229-174 vote.
The bill would mandate sanctions against lawyers who file frivolous lawsuits—usually in the amount of the defendants' costs—and prevent “forum shopping” among trial lawyers who seek courts that habitually favor plaintiffs.
The bill “reflects our feeling that lawyers who file frivolous lawsuits should be penalized,” said a spokesman for the Rubber Manufacturers Association. The RMA and the Tire Industry Association, however, were doubtful the Senate would act on the bill before adjourning in October for the upcoming election.