Massachusetts 194th General Court Status: Introduced

H4676 — An Act relative to tort actions for latent diseases

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  1. 1
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 194th General Court. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

In plain language

This bill relates to legal actions for diseases that develop over time.

The bill addresses how tort actions can be pursued for diseases that are not immediately apparent. It focuses on cases where conditions manifest long after exposure or injury.

Summary

An Act relative to tort actions for latent diseases

Bill Text

  • Full text Current

How this bill changes current law

8 changes Share ↗

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends the provisions of section 2B of chapter 260 of the General Laws regarding the timeframe for commencing actions related to certain tort actions and clarifies language within the statute.

  • chapter 260, section 2B

    thirty-nine A of chapter seven → 39A of chapter 7

    Changes the formatting of the citation for clarity.

  • chapter 260, section 2B

    only within three years next → within 3 years

    Simplifies the language regarding the time limit for commencing actions.

  • chapter 260, section 2B

    in no event shall such actions → , except for tort actions for damages due to latent diseases caused by exposure to toxic substances including, but not limited to, asbestos, such actions shall not.

    Exempts tort actions for latent diseases caused by toxic substances from a general prohibition on certain actions.

  • chapter 260, section 2B

    six → 6

    Standardizes the representation of the number for consistency.

  • chapter 260, section 2B

    thirty-nine A shall be commenced only within three years next → 39A shall be commenced within 3 years

    Clarifies the time limit for commencing actions under section 39A.

  • chapter 260, section 2B

    in no event shall actions be commenced more than six → , except for tort actions for damages due to latent diseases caused by exposure to toxic substances including, but not limited to, asbestos, such actions shall not be commenced more than 6.

    Provides an exception to the time limit for certain tort actions.

  • chapter 260, section 2B

    chapter thirty, section thirty-nine G → section 39G of chapter 30

    Improves the clarity of the citation.

  • Sections 1 to 7, inclusive, shall be effective for all causes of action accruing before, on, or after the date of enactment, including any pending causes of action.

    Establishes the effective date of the amendments for all relevant causes of action.

Sponsors

  • Joint Committee on the Judiciary · Primary

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 203 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (203)

203 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety civil-rights healthcare health-insurance
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Frequently asked questions

What does H4676 do?
An Act relative to tort actions for latent diseases
Who sponsors H4676?
H4676 is sponsored by Joint Committee on the Judiciary.
What is the current status of H4676?
This bill died with 194th General Court. It reached “Introduced” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track H4676?
Track H4676 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes 4 months ago · updated continuously

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