SB543 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code § 16-61-201 to expand the definition of "joint tortfeasor" to include persons or entities whose negligence or fault contributed to injury, regardless of whether they are immune from suit, can be made a party to the suit, or have had judgment recovered against them.

• Modifies the definition of "several liability" to clarify that each defendant is liable only for damages in direct proportion to their percentage of fault, considering the fault of all persons or entities whose negligence contributed to the injury, even if they were not named as parties or are immune from liability.

• Establishes a legislative finding that rights under § 16-55-201 regarding proportional liability exist regardless of immunity status or party status of persons whose negligence or fault contributed to injuries.