By KRWG News
Texas – The legislative fight over disputed legislation to restrict lawsuits appears to be resolved in a surprise agreement by all sides.
The Austin American-Statesman reports all sides agreed late Saturday to a new version of the measure, which has already passed the House.
The state Senate State Affairs Committee approved the revised legislation 9-0 Saturday. That was after representatives of trial lawyers, defense attorneys and lawsuit-reform groups agreed at a brief public hearing to support it.
Senate leaders say the revised legislation seeks to hold court costs in check and hasten dismissal of frivolous lawsuits. That's been a top priority for Republican Gov. Rick Perry.
The changes would allow judges to rule on whether a case is without merit much sooner, limit discovery, hasten hearings and assess court costs more equitably.
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Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.