House Passes Bill To Restrict Legal Claims Against Companies

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WASHINGTON (AP) - The House has approved a bill that would make it harder for individuals or groups to bring legal claims against companies in consumer disputes, employment discrimination cases and other areas.

Lawmakers approved the Republican-sponsored measure 220-201 Thursday night.

The legislation is the latest in a flurry of business-friendly moves by Congress and the Trump administration. Changes mandated in the bill could help reduce legal costs for businesses by putting up more hurdles to bringing class-action lawsuits in federal court.

Supporters say the bill is needed to curb abuses in class-action suits that often result in a huge payday for lawyers.

Consumer groups and civil rights advocates say the bill penalizes those who have been mistreated by corporations or government agencies.

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