AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Frivolous lawsuits would be limited in Texas under a measure Gov. Rick Perry has signed into law.
Perry gathered with supporters Monday to mark the passage of a “loser pays” bill, which he designated a top priority of the legislative session.
Some plaintiffs who sue and lose will be required to pay the court costs and attorney fees of those they are suing. The law creates expedited civil actions for cases less than $100,000 and allow judges to dismiss meritless lawsuits early in the process.
Perry said the changes reduce the cost of litigation while still allowing legitimate cases to proceed.
The law goes into effect Sept. 1.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)