Determining liability for exposure to asbestos or silica
This bill changes when lawsuits about asbestos or silica exposure can begin in West Virginia. It sets three triggers: a person must have a medical diagnosis, discover facts leading to a diagnosis, or pass away with a related health issue before a case can start. It also separates noncancer claims (like lung disease) from cancer claims and prohibits lawsuits against coal mining equipment manufacturers unless filed within 10-12 years of the equipment's first sale or use. The bill directly affects people exposed to these substances who develop health issues and manufacturers of mining equipment.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 29, 2026
Last action Jan 29, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jan 29, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Jan 29, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Brian Helton
RRepublican
Co
Chris Rose
RRepublican
Co
Eric Tarr
RRepublican
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