HARTFORD, Conn. -- A bill seeking to repeal vicarious liability for car rental and leasing companies failed to pass a vote by the Connecticut House Judiciary Committee on April 6.

As a result, industry lobbyists are now focusing their efforts on reaching a compromise that will place statutory limits on vicarious liability awards. Toward this goal, industry representatives are working with House Majority Leader James Amann and representatives from the Connecticut Bar Association.

"We know that some deal will have to be made and a compromise reached if we're going to get anything in Connecticut this year," said Bob Muhs, vice president of government affairs for Avis.