IL SB1443

Re-enacts Part 21 of Article II of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure concerning product liability law, which was voided in its entirety by the Illinois Supreme Court in Best v. Taylor Machine Works (1997).

Establishes definitions for product liability actions, including terms like "manufacturer," "product seller," "harm," and "clear and convincing evidence."

Creates presumptions that products are reasonably safe if they comply with federal or state standards, and that product designs are reasonably safe unless a practical and feasible alternative design was available at the time of manufacture.

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

Restricts punitive damages in product liability actions to cases where the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that the manufacturer intentionally withheld or misrepresented material safety information to government entities or agencies.