RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A Republican push to change how liability lawsuits against companies and doctors are handled was panned by consumer advocates and praised by business backers at a North Carolina House committee meeting Thursday.

The panel heard public reaction to the wide-ranging legislation introduced the day before to revamp "tort" lawsuits, which determine responsibility for harm and decide whether compensation is deserved.

Supporters said the moves will boost businesses by shielding them from courtroom surprises doled out by juries swayed by emotion. Opponents said North Carolina is pushing further than virtually every other state to tilt the balance of justice toward business interests. Similar restrictions on tort lawsuits were passed into law in Wisconsin earlier this year.