Legislators Discuss Bill To Curb Construction Defect Suits

Nevada lawmakers are considering a bill aimed at curbing frivolous lawsuits over construction defects.

The Assembly and Senate judiciary committees met together Wednesday for a spirited discussion on AB125.

Republicans say the bill would fix a law that was originally meant to protect homeowners when flaws surfaced in their houses, but has opened the floodgates for expensive litigation and created a financial incentive for attorneys to file suit.

Building industry lobbyist Josh Hicks cited a recent case in which attorneys' fees were 16 times the amount of money awarded to homeowners.

Democratic Sen. Aaron Ford says he's open to some law changes, but worries the bill helps contractors at the expense of homeowners.

Opponents object to the bill's shorter time frame for filing a construction defect lawsuit, among other provisions.
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