Can We Put A Stop to “Jackpot Justice”?

State Representative Michael Melerene discusses House Bill 423, which addresses the calculation of damages in civil cases. The bill allows judges or juries to award anywhere from zero to 30% of the difference between the billed price and the paid price. An amendment added in the Senate grants the jury the option to reconsider if extenuating circumstances warrant it. The bill received strong bipartisan support in the House and came close to a supermajority. As for the governor’s stance, Representative Melerene has not directly discussed it with Governor Landry, but he hopes the bill will be signed.