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by Annie Cunningham

Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) members are urged to call their member of the Ohio House of Representatives to send the message that tort reform is needed now, and Senate Bill 80 is the way to get there.

S.B. 80 will require damage awards to have a reasonable relationship to the plaintiff’s actual economic losses and place reasonable limits on punitive damages. It also will establish a 10- time limit within which product liability and construction-related lawsuits can be filed and protect both plaintiffs and defendants by setting new guidelines for the civil justice system that establishes more stringent standards regulating frivolous conduct. And it will provide immunity to Ohio farmers for public access to their farms as part of a pick-your-own produce operation.

"This is a good opportunity for Farm Bureau members to make their voices heard. It is important for the members of the House of Representatives to hear from their constituents on this important issue," said Deering Dyer, OFBF’s director of political education.

Dyer said the message OFBF members should send to their representatives is that S.B. 80 is a good bill, and Farm Bureau supports S.B. 80 as passed by the Senate. The representative’s support is essential to the success of farm and family business; the state’s economy; and will foster job growth and stability for small businesses in Ohio.

Ohio Farm Bureau launched this grassroots effort at Farm Science Review mid-September by allowing members to call their legislators from the OFBF building onsite.

Members have an option instead of picking up the phone – they can access CapWiz, an internet-based communication system available through OFBF’s Web site, www.ofbf.org Click on Government and Grassroots and then Legislative Action Center. CapWiz allows members to communicate directly with their elected officials at the local, state and national levels. The service helps members monitor key legislation and provides a simple method to contact their representatives instantly. Members have the choice to write their own message, or use a generic message or a combination of the two.