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 definition of "exposed person" as someone whose exposure to asbestos is the basis for an asbestos action, and the requirement for plaintiffs to provide detailed information about their claims within 45 days of filing, including specifics about their exposure history and the identity of knowledgeable individuals. Additionally, the bill allows defendants to seek dismissal of claims if the plaintiff fails to meet these requirements or provide necessary documentation.

The bill also modifies the timeline for plaintiffs to file asbestos trust claims, reducing the timeframe from 90 days to 60 days after filing an asbestos action. It mandates that plaintiffs have a continuing duty to supplement their information and materials related to asbestos trust claims. If a defendant can demonstrate that a plaintiff has not filed all available trust claims, they may request the court to compel the plaintiff to do so, and trial proceedings cannot commence until 60 days after compliance. 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