Bill to block obesity suits Bill to block obesity suits (March 11, 2005)

State Assemblyman Guy Houston (R., 15th) has introduced legislation to provide limited immunity from civil liability to food sellers and manufacturers against personal injury lawsuits that arise from weight gain or obesity. The bill, AB 173, is scheduled to be heard by the Assembly Judiciary Committee next Tuesday.

"This bill puts personal accountability back in the hands of consumers and promotes personal responsibility for their eating habits and food choices," Houston said. "One or two restaurants should not be liable simply because people gain weight over time."

Houston, whose district includes a part of Pleasanton, said he wrote the bill after a Marin County Superior Court judge approved a settlement in a suit against McDonald's Corp. totaling $8.5 million, filed by BanTGransFats.com Inc.

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