Bill > HR3548

This bill aims to modify liability standards for infrastructure and transportation development projects receiving federal financial assistance. Specifically, the bill precludes "absolute liability" for elevation or gravity-related risks, replacing it with a comparative negligence standard. Under this legislation, property owners and contractors cannot be held automatically responsible for injuries related to height or gravity-based hazards. Instead, courts will assess the degree of negligence by considering factors such as the injured person's failure to follow safety instructions, use safety equipment, or their impairment by drugs or alcohol. The bill applies to a wide range of projects including highways, bridges, tunnels, airports, railways, and other infrastructure developments. Claims under this act would be exclusively handled by federal courts, preventing state courts from applying absolute liability standards. The bill does not interfere with existing workers' compensation laws and will take effect for projects receiving federal financial assistance on or after January 1, 2026. Key definitions are provided for terms like "absolute liability," "covered person," and "elevation or gravity-related risk" to ensure clear interpretation and application of the law.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3548/all-info