The legal watchdogs Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) praised House Bill 107, saying the legislation encourages consumers to take personal responsibility for the food they choose to eat.  HB 107 - dubbed the "cheeseburger bill" - is aimed at prohibiting lawsuits against food sellers and manufacturers by consumers who claim the food contributed to their obesity and other health-related problems.

   "The cheeseburger bill hits the spot," said Summers, founder of the CALA movement and president of the Rio Grande Valley chapter.  "It would keep food-related lawsuits from clogging our legal arteries.  Instead, it emphasizes taking personal responsibility for the food you choose to eat and the consequences of that decision. Too often in our society, people look for others to blame and sue, instead of accepting responsibility for their actions." 

   Two New York teenage girls cast the national spotlight on the problem of fast-food lawsuits in 2002 when they sued McDonald's, blaming it for their obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Twice the lawsuit was dismissed by the presiding judge. But, in early February, a federal appeals court revived the "McNugget" case against McDonald's.

   According to USA Today (1/31/05), 90 percent of U.S. residents believe food companies should not be held liable for obesity-related health conditions.

   "Junk food shouldn't lead to junk lawsuits," said Summers. "If people choose to eat fattening or unhealthy food day in and day out, they should not blame the sellers or manufacturers of the food for their obesity and weight gain. It's unfortunate that we need to pass laws of this nature to stave off frivolous lawsuits."

   Lawsuit abuse hurts employers, undermines job creation and jeopardizes our access to quality healthcare.  Lawsuits also drive up the cost we all pay for virtually every consumer product and service on the market.  A January 2005 study released by Tillinghast - Towers Perrin found that the U.S. tort system cost $246 billion in 2003, a staggering figure that translates to $845 per person each year.

   "While many frivolous lawsuits are ultimately dismissed, they still take time, money and energy to defend," said Summers.  "As a result, people with legitimate claims must wait longer for their cases to navigate the courts."

   CALA is a grassroots public education movement dedicated to making the public better aware of the cost and consequences of lawsuit abuse.  Started in 1990 as a committee of the Partnership, it is now its own nonprofit organization with five chapters in Texas and more chapters in as many as 28 states.  Locally, CALA receives support from 1,000 members and still receives administrative oversight from the Partnership.

Accomplishments in Tort Reform: