“Punkin Chunkin” bill not passed

State lawmakers say piece of legislation known as the “Punkin Chunkin Bill,” was rejected by Delaware’s Senate Executive Committee Wednesday. Senator Brian Pettyjohn (R-Georgetown) rallied to keep the event in Delaware, but all four Democrats the Executive Committee voted against the proposal.
Punkin Chunkin was held in Sussex County on land owned by Dale Wheatley. The landowner was sued by an injured volunteer in 2013, and has not returned.

Officials say Sen. Pettyjohn’s proposed legislation would have placed a $1,000,000 liability cap on non-economic damages awarded for personal injury or wrongful death at the events, in order to prevent or better handle the case in 2013.  

Officials say similar to Maryland law, the proposal did not limit punitive damages or economic damages like lost wages and medical bills.