WBRZ - Baton Rouge

A bill passed by the Louisiana House would limit the liability of the companies who build the elaborate floats that carry bead-throwing riders at Mardi Gras.

Jonathan Compretta, a lawyer and lobbyist in Jackson, Miss., says the measure would make it too easy for float-builders in Louisiana to escape responsibility when things go wrong.

Compretta's brother Jody was crushed two years ago when a Krewe of Endymion float lurched forward, throwing him under just as he was trying to disembark. Compretta's family blamed the company that built the float and hired the driver. Jody's wife filed a lawsuit.

The bill by Rep. Jeff Arnold, of New Orleans, would require proof of gross negligence or a deliberate act before float-builders could be held liable for damage, injuries or death.