SB3643 Summary

• Adds Part 24 to the Code of Civil Procedure governing asbestos trust claims, establishing requirements for transparency and disclosure in asbestos litigation.

• Requires plaintiffs to provide all parties within 30 days of filing an asbestos action with a sworn statement that all available asbestos trust claims have been filed and all trust claim materials from connected law firms.

• Requires plaintiffs to continue supplementing trust claim information within 30 days of any updates, additional materials received, or new trust claims filed.

• Permits defendants to move for court orders at least 60 days before trial requiring plaintiffs to file additional trust claims if the defendant believes all claimable trusts have not been exhausted; court may stay the action pending compliance.

• Makes trust claim materials and governance documents presumed relevant and admissible in evidence; prohibits privilege claims from blocking discovery; entitles defendants to a setoff equal to amounts the plaintiff received or will receive from asbestos trusts.