MI HB5456

Requires plaintiffs in asbestos actions to provide a sworn statement 180 days before trial certifying that all possible asbestos trust claims have been filed, along with complete trust claims materials from all related law firms.

Allows defendants to move the court 60 days before trial to compel plaintiffs to file additional asbestos trust claims if sufficient basis exists, with the court able to stay the action until claims are filed.

Makes trust claims materials and trust governance documents presumed relevant and admissible as evidence, with no privilege or confidentiality protections available to plaintiffs seeking to bar their use.

Permits trial courts to reopen and adjust judgments within one year if plaintiffs file additional asbestos trust claims after obtaining judgment for asbestos trusts that existed at the time of judgment.

Applies to asbestos actions filed after the effective date (April 2, 2018) and pending actions not yet at trial, except those scheduled for trial before November 1, 2018.