New Life for Legislation to Limit Class-Action Lawsuits

Congress is inching closer to passing a bill that would limit class-action lawsuits and large damage awards against corporations, something big business has sought for years.

The Senate has been the stumbling block, but a deal struck just before lawmakers left for the holidays could garner enough Democratic support to approve the measure, which already has passed the House and is backed by President Bush.

The bill seeks to force most class action suits into federal court, and to limit abuses such as allowing huge awards of attorneys' fees when consumers receive only coupons or discounts. Details here from the AP via CNN.com.