HB 1145 Summary

• Increases the maximum award of attorney's fees, costs, and expenses from $1,000 to $10,000 when a qualified settlement offer in a civil action is rejected and the final judgment is less favorable to the recipient than the settlement offer terms.

• Attorney's fees are capped at $100 per hour, with the total award not to exceed $10,000.

• A motion for the award must be filed within 30 days after entry of judgment and accompanied by an affidavit establishing the amount of fees and costs incurred after the settlement offer date.

• Courts may reduce a judgment entered against the offeror by the amount of attorney's fees, costs, and expenses awarded under this section.

• Effective date is July 1, 2012.