Judge Denies Request for Ruling on Texas MDL Court's Jurisdiction

HOUSTON - The judge overseeing the Texas Silica MDL had denied a request by plaintiffs for a ruling on whether the court has subject matter jurisdiction in cases that were filed prior to Sept. 1, 2003. In Re: Texas State Silica Products Liability Litigation, No. 2004-70000 (Texas Dist. Ct., Harris Cty.).

In a decision issued Dec. 19, Judge Tracy Christopher of the 295th District Harris County Court denied the request in all respects. According to a Dec. 2 request for a ruling, the plaintiffs argued that Judge Christopher may not have jurisdiction over the pre-Sept. 1, 2003, claims that are …