Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

Posted:	August 28, 2019 09:19 AM
From:	Senator Lawrence M. Farnese, Jr.
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Municipal Tort Liability

The damages to more than 100 South Philadelphia homes during a 2012 water main break and the inadequate compensation the victims received demonstrated the need for municipal tort liability reform. I believe that Pennsylvania can do better when it comes to compensating those affected by damage when the government is at fault. For this reason, I am introducing a bill package to better protect the property rights of Pennsylvanians and Representative Brian Sims will be introducing companion legislation in the House. The first bill to improve these outdated policies would prioritize recovery for property damage to owner-occupied real property. In instances of limited resources, I believe the government should prioritize the damages faced by homeowners. The second bill would remove any limits on the amount of recoverable damages for individuals who suffer damage to owner-occupied real property and file their requests for damages within the timeframe requirements. We have already seen how current law is insufficient and how it can negatively impact lives. Please join me in working to provide fair compensation to those who have suffered a loss as a result of government negligence.
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