Wisconsin Assembly Passes Asbestos Claims Bill

The Wisconsin Assembly has passed a bill opponents say would slow asbestos-exposure lawsuits.

The measure would require plaintiffs to reveal how many businesses their attorneys plan to go after. Republican supporters say such a move would prevent lawyers from hiding multiple claims in hopes of maximizing awards.

But opponents, including trial attorneys, say the measure is designed to slow cases down in the hopes plaintiffs will die and protect corporations from making payouts.

Rep. Andre Jacque, of De Pere, said his proposal would inject transparency into asbestos claims. He says the bill would help judges and jurors see how many defendants may be at fault for one person’s illness, ensuring they divvy up damages fairly.

The bill passed on a 58-39 vote. It now heads to the Senate.