SC H5444

Shields distributors, wholesalers, dealers, retailers, and other sellers from product liability lawsuits unless they also manufactured or assembled the defective product, or altered/modified it in a way that substantially caused the harm

Allows product liability claims against non-manufacturer sellers only when the claimant cannot identify the manufacturer after exercising good faith due diligence, requiring an affidavit certifying this effort

Requires sellers sued under the manufacturer-unknown exception to identify the correct manufacturer via affidavit, after which the claimant must pursue the manufacturer and dismiss claims against the seller

Defines "product liability action" to include claims based on negligence, misrepresentation, strict liability, breach of implied warranty, or breach of oral express warranty related to product manufacturing, design, warnings, or labeling

Takes effect upon Governor's approval and does not affect pending legal actions or vested rights existing before the effective date