CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Republicans in the state Senate have introduced a bill to revamp Nevada's construction defect laws, a top priority for GOP lawmakers.
SB161 introduced Monday by Senate Minority Leader Michael Roberson of Las Vegas redefines what constitutes a construction defect, reduces the time in which lawsuits can be filed; and removes automatic awarding of attorney fees.
Roberson says existing law has hurt homeowners, homebuilders and the state's housing market because it invites lawsuits.
Roberson says Nevada has seen a 355 percent increase in construction defect claims over the past six years. He also points to a recent study by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas that said Nevada's construction defect claims per new home is 38 times higher than the national average.
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