Senate Bill 236 Summary

• Creates the Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Claims Transparency Act requiring plaintiffs to disclose all asbestos trust claims within 30 days of filing suit and provide all trust claim materials to parties and the court.

• Establishes the Asbestos and Silica Claims Priorities Act setting strict medical criteria for nonmalignant asbestos and silica claims, including requirements for radiological/pathological evidence, pulmonary function tests, and certification by qualified physicians.

• Requires plaintiffs to file detailed narrative medical reports within 30 days of initiating asbestos or silica actions involving nonmalignant conditions or silicosis, signed under oath by a qualified physician with supporting test results.

• Prohibits claims for fear or increased risk of future disease in asbestos and silica actions and prevents consolidation of multiple plaintiffs' cases without consent of all parties.

• Makes all provisions severable and effective July 1, 2017, while not reviving or extending limitations on claims otherwise time-barred as of that date.