Bill > HB803

This bill establishes two new acts related to asbestos litigation: the Asbestos Trust Claims Transparency Act and the Asbestos Action Over-Naming Reform Act. The first part of the bill creates detailed requirements for plaintiffs filing asbestos-related lawsuits, mandating that they disclose all asbestos trust claims within 30 days of filing a lawsuit, including providing sworn statements, trust claim materials, and supplementary documentation. The bill allows defendants to request additional trust claims be filed and permits discovery of asbestos trust documents, with trust claim materials presumed to be relevant and admissible in court. Additionally, defendants are entitled to setoffs based on the valuation established in trust governance documents. The second part of the bill requires plaintiffs to file a comprehensive sworn information form within 30 days of filing an asbestos action, detailing exposure history, medical information, and other specific details about the alleged asbestos-related harm. The bill also provides mechanisms for courts to dismiss cases without prejudice if plaintiffs fail to comply with disclosure requirements or cannot provide sufficient evidence of exposure. These provisions aim to increase transparency, reduce frivolous claims, and provide a more structured approach to asbestos litigation by ensuring defendants have complete information about a plaintiff's asbestos exposure and trust claims.

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https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3139