Product Liability Uniform Standards Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Mar 17, 1986)
Product Liability Uniform Standards Act - Sets forth uniform national standards for products liability cases.
Preempts inconsistent State laws. Declares that the provisions of this Act shall be inapplicable in certain environmental actions.
Makes negligence the sole test for all defective design and failure-to-warn product liability actions. Places the burden of proof on the claimant in such cases. Treats the product seller as the manufacturer (for the purposes of such actions) if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process; or (2) the court determines that the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer.
Requires damages to be reduced by the amount of workers' compensation benefits paid.
Makes a product manufacturer or seller who acted with reckless disregard for the consumers' safety liable for punitive damages. Lists factors for the trier of fact to consider when determining the amount of punitive damages.
Directs the Judicial Conference of the United States to establish a Product Liability Damages Review Panel to conduct a study of damages in relation to the product liability litigation system. Authorizes appropriations.
What just happenedApr 7, 1986
Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law.
Who’s behind it
- Apr 7, 1986CommitteeH11000
Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law.
Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust Subcommittee - Mar 25, 1986CommitteeH11000
Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.
Health and Environment Subcommittee - Mar 17, 1986IntroReferralH11100
Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary.
Judiciary Committee - Mar 17, 1986IntroReferralH11100
Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Energy and Commerce Committee - Mar 17, 1986IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Mar 17, 1986IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House