S.B. 33 - Medical Liability Reforms Summary

• Reforms appeal bond requirements for money judgments by allowing courts to set undertaking amounts based on judgment size, defendant's insurance limits, and net worth, with a $25 million cap unless the appellant is dissipating or hiding assets.

• Requires separate trials for liability and damages in tort cases where plaintiff seeks damages exceeding $150,000, with damages evidence excluded until liability is established.

• Expands medical malpractice complaint requirements to specify that medical care and all available medical records have been reviewed by a qualified expert willing to testify the care failed to meet applicable standards.

• Establishes a $500,000 cap on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice actions, with adjustments every three years based on the Consumer Price Index; cap does not apply if defendant's conduct was reckless, grossly negligent, fraudulent, intentional, or malicious and caused disfigurement, loss of bodily function, permanent injury, or death.

• Modifies statute of limitations for minors pursuing medical malpractice claims, allowing actions before age 10 if within standard time limits, or extending deadlines in cases involving abuse/neglect findings or state custody.