HB2225 Summary

• Re-enacts product liability provisions from Public Act 89-7 that were previously voided in their entirety by the Illinois Supreme Court in Best v. Taylor Machine Works (1997).

• Establishes presumption that products complying with federal or state safety standards are reasonably safe, and presumes product designs are reasonably safe unless a practical and feasible alternative design was available at time of manufacture.

• Limits manufacturer and product seller liability for failure to warn of obvious risks or risks that are common knowledge, and prohibits liability when danger knowledge was not reasonably available at time product left manufacturer's control.

• Bars punitive damages in product liability actions when defendant's conduct complied with applicable federal or state safety standards, unless plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence the defendant intentionally withheld or misrepresented material safety information to Congress, the legislature, or relevant agencies.

• Applies to causes of action accruing on or after the effective date and takes effect immediately upon becoming law.