Lexington County senators disagree on raising government lawsuit settlements to $1 million.

Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey says raising the settlement ceiling from $600,000 will cost more and hurt taxpayers.

A 20% increase in state insurance premiums is a “guess,” says Sen. Dick Harpootlian.

The Democratic senator who represents the Irmo area said, “My guess it won’t increase premiums in any significant way.

“The Insurance Reserve Fund that handles these claims is much less efficient than any private insurance company.

“If we brought the practices of the private insurance industry to this bloated and wasteful state agency, I believe we could increase benefits more and premiums could be reduced at the same time.”

Massey, a Republican who represents western Lexington County, does not agree.

Raising the amount local government, school districts and nonprofits covered by state insurance could cost 20% or more in higher insurance premiums.

That cost would be passed along in higher taxes.

“The increased limits are good for people who are harmed by negligent acts of government employees,” Massey said.

But “trial lawyers were pushing it,” Sen. Massey told the Chronicle.

“9 of us voted no.”

A 20% increase in insurance premiums will be “a pretty good hit to local government.”

Sen. Harpootlian, like Sen. Massey, is a practicing lawyer.

He said, “Several years ago two children were killed and several others injured, some seriously, in an amusement ride operated by the state or county government.

“The total amount to compensate all the families was and still is $600,000.

“Raising that to $1 million is a small step in making sure children and others injured by government negligence are compensated.”

Like other state and federal governments, South Carolina’s tort claims act allows the state to waive its immunity from lawsuits.

This might occur in cases where a state or other government employee harms someone.

Senators approved raising the maximum limit state or local governments would pay from:

• $300,000 to $500,000 per person

• $600,000 to $1 million per occurrence regardless of the number of persons injured.

The House will now consider the bill.