TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Berkley Schwarz on May 4, 2021

The Senate Finance Committee today took up SB868, legislation creating a statewide chancery court, and passed the bill without incorporating the House Finance Committee amendment that would instead create the Court of Special Appeals. With the House and Senate versions of SB868/HB1130 conflicting, the two chambers will have to try to work out their differences in a conference committee. TBA lobbyists have been deeply engaged throughout this process, talking to legislators about the different proposed changes to the court system and expressing our grave concerns about the ramifications of these changes. We anticipate that another House amendment to HB1130 will be offered tonight on the House floor.  Additionally, SB843/HB513, making it a felony for protesters to obstruct a highway and granting immunity to drivers who unintentionally injure or kill someone blocking a road, was tabled for the year during a special meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee today.