Ron Albee, president of Jay-Reese Contractors, Inc., emphasized the importance of lawsuit reform for Texas to maintain its status as a national leader in job growth. He said that lawsuit abuse increases costs for businesses and poses a threat to economic development.
"Lawsuit reform keeps Texas a jobs leader," said Albee. "Lawsuit abuse is a job killer. That's why we support reform. Stopping lawsuit abuse is good for job creation."
According to a study by Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA), Texans incur an annual "lawsuit tax" of $1,725 due to excessive litigation and large court awards. This figure is higher in major cities and exceeds the national average. Roger Borgelt has called on lawmakers to alleviate this financial burden by implementing key reforms during the current legislative session. Senate Bill 30 aims to address "nuclear verdicts," which are court awards exceeding $10 million driven by inflated medical billing, amounting to over $45 billion in Texas since 2009. Senate Bill 779 seeks to reform public nuisance law, curbing its misuse by trial lawyers pursuing policy agendas through the courts. These bills are designed to reduce frivolous lawsuits, protect small businesses, and prevent courts from being exploited for profit.
Albee's Jan 23 statement
| X.com
A study from the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform identified Texas as one of the top five states for nuclear verdicts, with 130 personal injury and wrongful death cases resulting in $16 billion in awards between 2013 and 2022. The study noted that "anchoring" tactics—where attorneys propose arbitrary high-dollar damage amounts—have significantly inflated jury awards. An example cited involved a $39 million verdict in an auto accident case after a plaintiff’s lawyer suggested a symbolic per-mile damage figure; the Texas Supreme Court later overturned it due to improper tactics. These excessive awards contribute to increased insurance premiums and consumer costs while undermining fairness in the legal system.
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) reported that Texas is a significant hub for legal services advertising, with Dallas and Houston ranking among the top 10 U.S. media markets for ad spending in 2024. Dallas saw approximately $69.8 million spent on 622,212 ads, while Houston accounted for over $56.6 million on more than 411,000 ads. These figures reflect a broader national increase in trial lawyer advertising, which reached $2.5 billion across the U.S. last year—more than double what pizza restaurants spent.
A survey conducted by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) and Munich Re US found that most Americans believe certain plaintiff lawyer tactics contribute to rising insurance and consumer goods costs. The Harris Poll revealed that 69% think third-party litigation funding (TPLF) and jury anchoring increase insurance costs, while 66% say these practices raise prices on everyday items. Additionally, 77% agree that allowing foreign investors to participate in TPLF could pose a national security threat.
Albee founded Jay-Reese Contractors, Inc., in 1988 after more than two decades in the construction industry with companies such as Robert E. McKee and Kiewit Companies. His leadership has helped navigate economic shifts while maintaining a strong reputation for quality.