Relating to civil actions involving asbestos and silica, and including applicability provisions

This bill relates to civil actions involving asbestos and silica. The bill requires a plaintiff in an asbestos action, including an action alleging a nonmalignant or a malignant condition, or a silica action involving silicosis, to file with the complaint or other initial pleading a sworn information form specifying the evidence that provides the basis for each claim against each defendant. The sworn information form must contain the information as detailed in the bill. Current law does not require a plaintiff in an asbestos action, including an action alleging a malignant condition, or a silica action involving silicosis, to file a sworn information form stating the basis for each claim against each defendant. The bill directs the court to dismiss an asbestos action or a silica action without prejudice on finding that a plaintiff has failed to make a prima facie case or failed to file a detailed medical report and sworn information form. The court is also required to dismiss an asbestos action or silica action without prejudice as to any defendant whose product or premises is not identified in the sworn information form. The provisions in the bill apply to asbestos actions, including actions alleging a nonmalignant or malignant condition, or silica actions involving silicosis filed on or after July 1, 2020.