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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMo. Legislature Override Veto on Lead Lawsuit Bill
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) A lead mining company won a legal shield against the potential for large-dollar judgments in some liability lawsuits as the Missouri Legislature voted Wednesday to override a gubernatorial veto of the measure.
The bill is crafted to benefit The Doe Run Co., which is facing numerous lawsuits, including one scheduled for trial in October alleging that contamination from old lead mining operations caused mental and behavioral health problems for children in St. Francois County.
Officials at Doe Run had asserted that a costly jury judgment could drive it out of business, resulting in the loss of hundreds of jobs in eastern Missouri. The company even offered tours of its facilities to lawmakers in the weeks leading up to the veto override. The companys lobbying effort appeared to pay off.
This company Doe Run is destroyed if we dont take action, Sen. Dan Brown, a Republican from Rolla, said Wednesday while urging colleagues to support the veto override.
This bill is not about jobs this bill is just about money, said Rep. John Wright, D-Rocheport.
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http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2013/09/12/mo-lawmakers-override-veto-on-lead-lawsuit-bill/
hobbit709
(41,694 posts)riversedge
(69,724 posts)I do not recall the specifics but our legislature passed--in the budget--a non fiscal item that makes it harder for lawsuits again lead paint. Maybe this is an ALEC thing???