Senate Passes Business-Backed Civil Law Changes

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Senate has passed several bills that make business-backed changes to the rights of plaintiffs who file civil lawsuits.

One bill approved Saturday shortens Minnesota's statute of limitations for filing civil lawsuits from six to four years. That passed 42-20. The other creates an automatic court appeal to all certifications of class action lawsuits. That bill passed 36-26.

Republican sponsors say the changes will make the court system more efficient and reduce liability expenses for businesses. But Democratic critics say the bills, particularly the class action changes, will weaken Minnesota's tradition of strong consumer protection.

The state House and Senate are meeting in rare Saturday sessions as their time in St. Paul winds down for the year.

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