Nevada GOP Assembly Rift Deepens as Leaders Trade More Shots

A bill aimed at curbing frivolous lawsuits over construction defects has passed through the Nevada Assembly.

Assembly members approved AB125 in a voice vote Tuesday. The measure now heads to the Senate.

Republicans say the bill would fix a law that was originally meant to protect homeowners when flaws surfaced in their houses, but has opened the floodgates for expensive litigation and created a financial incentive for attorneys to file suit.

Democratic opponents say they worry the bill helps contractors while making it harder for homeowners to get recourse when they encounter a problem with their house.

Members of the Assembly Judiciary Committee passed the bill on Friday in an 8-5 vote.

An amendment added Friday removes the possibility of criminal penalties for homeowners if the wrongly describe their defect. (AP)