NFIB State Director Ben Homeyer says South Carolina small business owners are urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to pass S.244 and advance the critical tort reform legislation to the full Senate. If passed, the measure would greatly stop lawsuit abuse in the state.

“S.244 is one of NFIB’s top legislative priorities,” Homeyer said. “Our small business members overwhelmingly support the bill because they simply can’t afford to defend themselves from frivolous claims brought by overzealous trial attorneys.

“Our members believe people have a right to seek compensation if they’ve been wronged, but too often, lawsuits are filed just to take advantage of the system,” he said. “You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake just because their lawyer thinks you might have deeper pockets.

“S.244 is commonsense legislation that would help reduce frivolous and overreaching claims by ensuring that small business owners and other defendants are held liable only for their fair share of damages.

“Our members want to thank Sen. Shane Massey and members of the Judiciary Subcommittee for their support and work to bring S.244 to the full committee,” Homeyer said. “Our members hope the committee will approve the bill and allow the full Senate to vote on this critical small business bill.”