Vicarious Liability Reform Efforts Set Sights on Washington

A coalition of vehicle lessors and car rental companies on April 14, 2003 launched an aggressive lobbying campaign for federal legislation that would override state vicarious liability laws. States with such laws include Connecticut, Maine, New York, and Rhode Island. The Vicarious Liability Reform Coalition held a strategy meeting in early April at headquarters of the Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA), based in Alexandria, VA. Already, the coalition's efforts are beginning to show progress. At the group's request, Congressman Tim Holden (D-Pa.) and Congressman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) wrote to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, highlighting the costs of vicarious liability to both businesses and consumers.