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Doe Run Co. seeks override of punitive damage bill

missouri house floor
File photo
/
Missouri House Communications
The Missouri House of Representatives

A Missouri lead company wants lawmakers to override a veto of a bill that shields the company from large legal costs.

The Doe Run Co. contends its very future is at stake, along with hundreds of jobs.

At issue is a bill limiting punitive damages in liability cases related to old lead mining facilities. Several such lawsuits are pending against Doe Run, including one scheduled for trial in October.

Lawmakers are to convene in September to consider whether to override Gov. Jay Nixon's veto. He said the bill violated the state constitution by retroactively limiting damages and by benefiting only certain legal defendants.

Doe Run faces an uphill battle. The bill originally passed the Missouri House 94-63, with six absentees. That means supporters need 15 more "yes" votes to override Nixon's veto.

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