2018 House Bill 5456 / Public Act 100

Ban asbestos lawsuit “double dipping”

Introduced in the House

Jan. 30, 2018

Introduced by Rep. Jason Wentworth (R-97)

To require plaintiffs who seek damages for alleged asbestos-related conditions to disclose whether they have already filed suits against trusts or claims pools created in previous asbestos bankruptcy cases. Reportedly some plaintiff attorneys have filed multiple suits seeking duplicate damages. The bill would also authorize reopening and readjusting cases and damage awards in such cases.

Referred to the Committee on Michigan Competitiveness

Feb. 7, 2018

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Substitute offered by Rep. Erika Geiss (D-12)

To adopt the asbestos litigation system <a href="https://www.3rdcc.org/Documents/Civil/Asbestos/MasterOrders/Case%20Management%20Order%20-%20Ord%20No.%2022%5E%5E%5E.pdf">used by</a> courts in Wayne County.

The substitute failed by voice vote

Feb. 8, 2018

Passed in the House 58 to 51 (details)

Received in the Senate

Feb. 13, 2018

Referred to the Committee on Michigan Competitiveness

March 8, 2018

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-4) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

March 15, 2018

Passed in the Senate 35 to 1 (details)

Received in the House

March 15, 2018

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

March 21, 2018

Passed in the House 83 to 25 (details)

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

April 2, 2018