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United States · Bill · HR

H.R. 3030 (102nd)

Fairness in Product Liability Act of 1991

openUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

25 July 1991

Last action

9 October 1991 · Committee

Status

Executive Comment Received from Justice.

Sponsors

Rep. Rowland, J. Roy [D-GA-8], Rep. Lent, Norman F. [R-NY-4], Rep. Glickman, Dan [D-KS-4], Rep. Fish, Hamilton, Jr. [R-NY-19], Rep. Hastert, J. Dennis [R-IL-14], Sen. Allard, Wayne [R-CO], Rep. Armey, Richard K. [R-TX-26], Rep. Ballenger, Cass [R-NC-10], Rep. Barnard, Doug, Jr. [D-GA-10], Rep. Barton, Joe [R-TX-6], Rep. Bliley, Tom [R-VA-7], Rep. Boehlert, Sherwood [R-NY-24], Rep. Boehner, John A. [R-OH-8], Rep. Broomfield, William S. [R-MI-18], Rep. Burton, Dan [R-IN-5], Rep. Camp, Dave [R-MI-4], Rep. Carr, Bob [D-MI-8], Rep. Chandler, Rod D. [R-WA-8], Rep. Clinger, William F., Jr. [R-PA-5], Rep. Cooper, Jim [D-TN-5], Rep. Crane, Philip M. [R-IL-8], Rep. Dannemeyer, William E. [R-CA-39], Del. de Lugo, Ron [D-VI-At Large], Rep. Dingell, John D. [D-MI-12], Rep. Eckart, Dennis E. [D-OH-11], Rep. Edwards, Mickey [R-OK-5], Rep. Emerson, Bill [R-MO-8], Rep. Franks, Gary A. [R-CT-5], Rep. Gallegly, Elton [R-CA-24], Rep. Gallo, Dean A. [R-NJ-11], Rep. Gekas, George W. [R-PA-17], Rep. Gillmor, Paul E. [R-OH-5], Rep. Gingrich, Newt [R-GA-6], Rep. Goodling, William F. [R-PA-19], Rep. Grandy, Fred [R-IA-6], Rep. Gunderson, Steve [R-WI-3], Rep. Hancock, Mel [R-MO-7], Rep. Hefley, Joel [R-CO-5], Rep. Hefner, W. G. (Bill) [D-NC-8], Rep. Henry, Paul B. [R-MI-5], Rep. Herger, Wally [R-CA-2], Rep. Holloway, Clyde [R-LA-8], Rep. Houghton, Amo [R-NY-31], Rep. Hunter, Duncan [R-CA-52], Rep. Hutto, Earl [D-FL-1], Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6], Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK], Rep. Ireland, Andrew P. [R-FL-10]

Subjects

Defence

Source updated

26 August 2025

Defence

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Summary

Fairness in Product Liability Act of 1991 - Governs any product liability action brought in either State or Federal court against a manufacturer or product seller on any theory for harm caused by a product, superseding State law in specified ways and degrees. Makes a product seller liable only if the seller: (1) failed to exercise reasonable care regarding the product, and the failure was the proximate cause of the harm; (2) made an express warranty, independent of any express warranty by the manufacturer, the product failed to conform to the warranty and the failure caused the harm; or (3) engaged in international wrongdoing which was a proximate cause of the harm. Makes a product seller liable as if the seller were the manufacturer if: (1) the manufacturer is not subject to service of process under State laws; or (2) a court determines the claimant would be unable to enforce a judgment against the manufacturer. Allows, in certain circumstances, a complete defense of alcohol or controlled substance use. Reduces damages by the percentage of harm attributable to misuse or alteration of a product by any person, subject to exception involving misuse or alteration by the claimant's employer or coemployees. Allows punitive damages against a manufacturer or seller for conscious, flagrant indifference to user safety. Prohibits, in certain circumstances, punitive damages regarding a drug or device, as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, unless packaging of a drug is substantially out of compliance with tamper-resistant packaging regulations. Declares manufacturer or seller liability to be several and not joint for noneconomic damages. Requires a product liability action to be brought within two years after the harm and its cause is, or with reasonable diligence should have been, discovered. Sets the time limit at 25 years for products which are capital goods. Requires offset of workers' compensation benefits. Sets forth rules regarding subrogation, contribution, indemnity, and liens. Provides for tort actions against employers. Prohibits U.S. district courts from having jurisdiction under specified provisions of Federal law over any civil action arising under this Act.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

  1. 25 July 1991

    Introduced

    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

    Source: IntroReferral

  2. 25 July 1991

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

  3. 25 July 1991

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

  4. 31 July 1991

    Referred

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic and Commercial Law.

    Source: Committee

  5. 30 August 1991

    Referred

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.

    Source: Committee

  6. 9 October 1991

    Committee

    Executive Comment Received from Justice.

    Source: Committee

Votes

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Versions

Documents

2 official files

Introduced in House (text)

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  • Introduced in House (text)

    Introduced in House · EN

    ViewDownloadOpen at official source

  • Introduced in House

    summary · EN · 25 July 1991

    Open at official source

    Leesvertaling

    Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.

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Sponsors

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Related records

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Sources

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