Florida House Moves Asbestos-Silica Bill; Georgia Measure Is Signed Into Law by Governor

Georgia has become the second state in the country in the past year to pass legislation limiting the type of silica claims that can be filed in the state's courts.

Gov. Sonny Perdue on April 14 signed into law a bill that creates minimum medical criteria that must be met before a plaintiff can bring a silica- or asbestos-related claim. Any case pending in Georgia within 180 days of the enactment of the law will be dismissed without prejudice unless it can be shown that the plaintiff has established a prima facie evidence of physical impairment.

Among the requirements …