SC S0940

Limits product liability lawsuits against distributors, wholesalers, dealers, retailers, and sellers to cases where they either manufactured/assembled the final product or altered/modified the product in a way that substantially caused the harm

Allows claimants to sue non-manufacturer sellers only when the manufacturer cannot be identified after good faith due diligence, requiring an affidavit certifying this effort

Requires sellers sued under the manufacturer-identification exception to file an affidavit identifying the correct manufacturer, 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 for personal injury, death, or property damage

Preserves pending actions and vested rights under prior law and takes effect upon Governor's approval