Lawmakers give nod to megaloads lawsuit bill

BOISE (AP) - A measure aimed at curtailing lawsuits filed against the state for permitting oversized truckloads is headed to the Senate for changes.

Citing concerns, the Senate Transportation Committee voted Thursday to move it to the Senate where it could be reworked or linger in the session's final weeks.

The bill by Republican Rep. Dick Harwood of St. Maries would require anyone filing a lawsuit challenging plans to haul oversized loads on state roadways to post a bond equal to 5 percent of the load's insured value.

Harwood says he wants to shield the state from what he calls frivolous lawsuits challenging permits issued for the massive shipments.

But the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association says the bill is confusing, and the American Civil Liberties Union claims posting a bond would chill the public's access to the courts.