Senate Passes Dog Bite Bill

by Karen Hosler

The Senate voted unanimously today to approve a new approach to dog bite cases that would be tougher on dog owners than a similar measure already passed by the House. Critics of the Senate version charge that it was meant to please trial lawyers who want to make it easier to win money for victims and fat fees for themselves.  Here’s Republican Leader E.J. Pipkin:

 “I think we’ve gone too far with the bill. What I envision now is something that really wasn’t on our radar screen. I see 1-800-DOG BITE.”

Even so, Pipkin voted for the bill because he’s eager to void a court ruling in a pit bull case last year that he said would be even worse for dog owners.

But Delegate Luiz Simmons, lead sponsor of the House bill, is in no mood to compromise. He says chief Senate negotiator Brian Frosh is seeking support from trial lawyers for a Frosh bid for attorney general.

Frosh brushed off the charge. 

“I think that’s kind of silly. I think reasonable people can work this out.” 

That “reasonable” part may be the rub.