CA AB2740

Limits punitive damages in civil actions to a maximum of 3 times the compensatory damages award, applicable when defendant is guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice.

Shields manufacturers, distributors, and sellers from punitive damages liability if the product or its warnings were approved by or in material compliance with federal or state agency standards at the time of manufacture, distribution, or sale.

Creates exception to product liability shield if defendant intentionally withheld or misrepresented required information to the regulatory agency that was causally related to the injury or harm.

Establishes a $250,000 cap on noneconomic damages (pain, suffering, inconvenience, physical impairment, disfigurement) in negligence actions.

Applies to all cases pending on or after the date of enactment, regardless of when the case was filed.