HB227 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ron Johnson

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Products liability actions, use of product to mean entire product, not a component, Sec. 6-5-501 am'd.

Summary

HB227 would redefine 'use of a product' in Alabama product liability cases to mean the use of the entire product, not just a defective component.

What This Bill Does

HB227 amends Section 6-5-501 to define 'use' of a product in a product liability action as the use of the whole and entire product, even if only a component is alleged to be defective. In a product liability action, the use of the product means any act or omission in the operation of the whole product, regardless of whether the act relates to a specific component. The change applies to actions filed after the effective date and becomes law once the Governor approves it. The definitions in the bill are limited to this division and do not expand or limit other aspects of Alabama law except as expressly modified.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who bring product liability lawsuits for personal injury, death, or property damage (their claims could cover the entire product rather than only a defective component).
• Manufacturers, sellers, and other entities named as defendants in product liability actions (their liability exposure may change because the 'use' is defined to cover the whole product).

Key Provisions

• Defines 'use of the product' in a product liability action as the use of the whole and entire product, even if only a component is alleged defective.
• Defines that any act or omission in the operation of the whole product constitutes 'use' of the product, regardless of whether it concerns a specific component.
• Applies to actions filed after the act's effective date.
• Effective date: immediately after passage and governor approval; definitions apply only to this division and do not broaden or limit other law except as expressly modified.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Civil Procedure