The bill amends Sections 6-5-691, 6-5-692, and 6-5-693 of the Code of Alabama 1975, establishing new requirements for asbestos-related legal actions. Key insertions include the definitions of "exposed person" and the specific obligations of plaintiffs in asbestos actions, such as providing detailed information about their exposure history and the identity of knowledgeable individuals regarding their exposure. The bill also stipulates that if a defendant can demonstrate that a plaintiff's affidavit is incomplete, the court may require the plaintiff to supplement their affidavit, with the potential for dismissal of the claim if the plaintiff fails to comply.

Additionally, the bill modifies the timeline for plaintiffs to file asbestos trust claims and provide related materials, reducing the timeframe from 90 days to 60 days after filing an asbestos action. It emphasizes the continuing duty of plaintiffs to update their claims and materials as new information becomes available. The bill also allows defendants to file motions to compel plaintiffs to file additional trust claims if they have not done so before trial, which cannot commence until 60 days after compliance with these requirements. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6-5-691, 6-5-692, 6-5-693, 6-5-694