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HR 4910 99th Congress House Commerce Civil actions and liability Consumer protection Courts and Civil Procedure Damages Federal preemption Limitation of actions Products liability Standards State laws States Warranties

Federal Product Liability Reform Act of 1986

Introduced: May 22, 1986 See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 5 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jun 5, 1986
Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.
May 28, 1986
Referred to Subcommittee on Monopolies and Commercial Law.
May 22, 1986
Introduced in House
May 22, 1986
Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary.
May 22, 1986
Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Federal Product Liability Reofrm Act of 1986 - Title I: - Sets forth findings and purposes of this Act.

Title II - Limits the amount of damages which may be recovered against a product seller for noneconomic losses to $250,000. Makes a product seller who has acted with flagrant indifference to consumer safety liable for punitive damages. States that punitive damages may not be awarded in the absence of a compensatory award. Limits the amount of punitive damages which may be recovered.

Provides that all product liability actions shall be governed by the principles of comparative responsibility. Specifies the manner in which damages are to be apportioned.

Requires the reduction of any damages award by any amount received by the claimant from collateral sources (including workers' compensation benefits).

Establishes a two-year statute of limitations and a ten-year statute of repose.

Preempts inconsistent State and Federal laws.

What's happening now June 5, 1986

Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.

 Committees of jurisdiction 4