Business leaders dominate General Assembly

Here is look at some key legislation a General Assembly dominated by business leaders has dealt with in the past two years:

_ The Predatory Lending Act, which passed last year, was hailed by the business community and consumer advocates alike for providing protection for borrowers without hurting legitimate lending operations. The act blocks companies from making high-cost loans that hurt borrowers, particularly low-income and elderly customers.

_ The Employment-at-Will bill, which awaits the governor's signature, closes loopholes in state law regarding employee handbooks. Some lawmakers were alarmed over court decisions that ruled employers had created contracts by issuing them. The bill affirms the state's doctrine that basically allows an employer to hire and fire at will.

_ The Venture Capital Investment Act would allow the Commerce Department to borrow up to $50 million at low rates from banks and insurance companies to invest with professionally managed venture capital companies. The act is contained in the Life Sciences bill that just emerged from conference committee last week and could pass the Senate this week on its way to the governor's desk.

_ Tort reform, which has passed the House, would place a cap of $2 million on non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, and limited the venue in which lawsuits could be filed. It was a proposal pushed by the business community and the medical community, which said medical malpractice suits were driving doctors out of business. The measure was opposed by a large contingent of the state's trial lawyers, who said the measure simply took away a person's right to seek justice under the legal system. That legislation is under debate in the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is dominated by lawyers.

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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.charleston.net