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Browne Bill Expanding Terror Victims' Rights Enacted
Act Provides for Civil Suits to Recover Damages
HARRISBURG -- A
measure introduced by Senator Pat Browne allowing victims to recover damages
resulting from acts of terror was the second bill signed into law by Governor Ed
Rendell in 2006.
Act 2 of 2006, which Senator Browne introduced
as House Bill 477 while a state representative before winning his current seat
in a special election, lets victims and their families recover general, specific
and punitive damages including damages for emotional distress, fees, costs and
any other relief that the court deems necessary and proper.
“I am extremely pleased that the Governor signed
this measure into law. Previously, Pennsylvania law did not provide a specific
cause of action to recover damages resulting from acts of terror,” Senator
Browne said. “I hope this new law is never needed, but in the event of a future
terrorist act, it will make the recovery of damages easier for victims and their
families.”
Many states, including Florida, Michigan, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia enacted similar legislation following the
September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in 2001.
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