SB215 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Toxic substances exposure, statute of limitations extended, retroactive effect, Jack Cline Act, Sec. 6-2-30 am'd.

Summary

SB215 changes when toxic-substance exposure lawsuits accrue and adds retroactive revival for time-barred claims under the Jack Cline Act.

What This Bill Does

It changes accrual for injuries from exposure to toxic substances to the date the injured person, through reasonable diligence, should have discovered the injury. It defines toxic substances broadly to include asbestos exposure and other hazardous substances as defined by federal law. It allows multiple causes of action from a single exposure, with each accruing separately, and it provides retroactive revival of time-barred claims, allowing revived actions to be filed within two years after the later of discovery date or the act's effective date. It is known as the Jack Cline Act and becomes effective immediately after passage and approval, with operative effect upon constitutional amendment ratification.

Who It Affects

• Injured individuals exposed to toxic substances: accrual timing moves to discovery, and they may have revived time-barred claims that can be filed within a two-year window after discovery or the act's effective date.
• Defendants and their insurers in toxic-substance exposure cases (e.g., manufacturers, employers, property owners): may face more lawsuits or later filings because of discovery-based accrual and retroactive revival of claims.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 6-2-30 to make accrual date for toxic-substance exposure actions the discovery date.
• Defines 'toxic substance' to include asbestos exposure and other hazardous substances as defined by federal law.
• Allows multiple causes of action from a single exposure, with each accruing separately, and not barring later actions for other exposures.
• Provides retroactive effect reviving time-barred claims discovered after the original time limit; revived actions may be filed within two years after the later of discovery date or the act's effective date.
• Designated as the Jack Cline Act and establishes its effective and operative timelines.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Civil Procedure