Senate Bill Would Offer Banks Protection From Frivolous Suits Filed by

Publicly traded banks and their executives would get new protection from shareholder lawsuits under legislation passed by the Senate last week.

The bill aims to shield all public companies from frivolous lawsuits filed by "professional plaintiffs," said Senate Banking Committee Chairman Alfonse M. D'Amato.

The bill limits damages paid by individual defendants, protects companies from liability for predictions of future performance, prohibits referral fees to plaintiffs, and limits attorney fees.

"This securities reform legislation is a big win for consumers because it curtails abusive litigation while still allowing investors to bring meritorious lawsuits," Sen. D'Amato said.

The primary beneficiaries if the bill is enacted are companies with volatile stock prices, such as technology firms, Sen. D'Amato said.

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