S 1139
An Act to restore the statute of limitations for deaths due to tobacco use
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Bill overview
This bill aims to restore the statute of limitations for lawsuits related to deaths caused by tobacco use in Massachusetts. Currently, there are time limits for filing such claims, but this legislation seeks to remove those restrictions. The goal is to provide legal recourse for individuals who have suffered or whose families have suffered due to tobacco-related illnesses, even if a significant amount of time has passed since the exposure occurred.
Key provisions
- Removes the statute of limitations for lawsuits related to deaths caused by tobacco use.
- Applies to deaths resulting from exposure to tobacco products.
- Allows for legal action to be taken even after a considerable delay.
- Addresses potential inequities in accessing legal remedies for tobacco-related fatalities.
- Focuses specifically on deaths, not injuries or illnesses.
- The bill is sponsored by Senator John F. Keenan.
Who is affected
- Individuals who have died due to tobacco use.
- Families of individuals who have died due to tobacco use.
- Lawsuits related to tobacco-related fatalities.
Notable changes
- Currently, there is a time limit for filing lawsuits related to tobacco-related deaths.
- This bill would eliminate that time limit.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
John F. Keenan
Cosponsor
John F. Keenan
Arguments in favor
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Bill S.1139 194th (Current)
An Act to restore the statute of limitations for deaths due to tobacco use
By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1139) of John F. Keenan for legislation to restore the statute of limitations for deaths due to tobacco use. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: John F. Keenan
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill S.1139
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 5/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 06/03/2025 from 01:00 PM-09:00 PM in A-2 |
| 12/18/2025 | Senate | Accompanied a study order (under JR10), see S2886 |
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