Ohio Moves Closer to Asbestos Reform

The Alliance of American Insurers is encouraging Ohio lawmakers to seize the momentum and act quickly on legislation dealing with tort reform and asbestos litigation reform.

The Ohio House on Thursday approved HB 292, which addresses key issues related to improving the way in which asbestos-related cases are handled. SB 80, passed by the Senate in June, combines more wide-ranging tort reform with asbestos litigation reforms.

“We urge the House and Senate to come together as soon as possible to reach consensus on their reform bills,” said John Lobert, senior vice president of state government affairs for the Alliance. “On the asbestos issue, the Alliance wants to make sure those who are truly sick from asbestos are moved to the front of the line and compensated in a fair and timely fashion. At the same time, the vast majority of claims, which have been filed on behalf of people who are not currently sick and likely never will be, should be set aside until there is a legitimate claim for illness.

“But we are not ready to give up on other tort reforms which the Senate has already passed. We urge lawmakers to seize the momentum and put Ohio at the forefront of reform of the nation’s out-of-control tort system.”