Tort reform fans, foes detail finances

Groups for and against Issue 1 — a proposed constitutional amendment to cap certain lawsuit damages and attorneys’ fees — continued to add money to their campaign coffers in February.

Voters will decide on the amendment during the Nov. 6 general election.

The proposal is similar to a measure put forward in 2016, which was described as “tort reform” by health care groups and opposed by the Arkansas Bar Association.

Those same groups, as well as business interests, have largely aligned for and against Issue 1, which was referred to the ballot by the Republican-controlled Legislature.

The groups submitted monthly financial reports Thursday.

FOR ISSUE 1

Arkansans For Jobs and Justice: raised $55,500, spent $36,675 and had $846,580 cash on hand.

The Arkansas Hospital Association gave $50,000 to Arkansans For Jobs and Justice.

The Arkansas Trucking Association, Arkansas Medical Society, Pulaski County Medical Society and Arkansas Health Care Association reported no activity in February.

AGAINST ISSUE 1

Protect AR Families: raised $54,696, spent $11,766 and had $921,905 cash on hand.

Liberty Defense Network: raised $213,500, spent $2,031 and had $312,981 cash on hand.

Defending Your Day in Court: raised $5,551, spent $3 and had $23,839 cash on hand.

The Family Council Action Committee did not file a February report.