H4676
An Act relative to tort actions for latent diseases
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- Passed House
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Bill overview
This bill addresses the legal process for filing lawsuits against companies for illnesses caused by exposure to harmful substances, even if the illness develops years after the exposure. It aims to clarify the standards for establishing causation and liability in these ‘latent disease’ cases, particularly concerning the role of expert testimony. The bill seeks to ensure that individuals harmed by such exposures have a clearer path to legal recourse.
Key provisions
- Establishes a standard for expert testimony regarding the link between exposure and disease.
- Addresses the issue of ‘residual risk’ in determining causation.
- Clarifies the requirements for proving a connection between a product and a latent disease.
- Specifies the types of evidence that can be considered in these cases.
- Provides a framework for assessing the company’s knowledge of potential risks.
Who is affected
- Individuals who have developed latent diseases potentially linked to exposure to harmful substances.
- Companies that manufacture or distribute products that could pose such risks.
- Legal professionals involved in tort litigation.
- Medical experts providing testimony in these cases.
Notable changes
- The bill focuses on clarifying the evidentiary standards required to prove causation in latent disease cases.
- It addresses the complexities of establishing a link between past exposure and a later-occurring illness.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Cosponsor
Jeffrey N. Roy
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Bill H.4676 194th (Current)
An Act relative to tort actions for latent diseases
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on the Judiciary Status: Referred to House Committee on Bills in the Third Reading
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Bill History Cosponsors Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.4676
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 11/3/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on The Judiciary |
| 11/3/2025 | House | New draft of H1967 |
| 11/3/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling |
| 12/1/2025 | House | Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting |
| 12/1/2025 | House | Rules suspended |
| 12/1/2025 | House | Read second and ordered to a third reading |
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