ATRA Hails Alabama as 'Tort Reform Trailblazer' After Passing Crucial Asbestos Litigation Reform

ATRA Hails Alabama as ‘Tort Reform Trailblazer’ After Passing Crucial Asbestos Litigation Reform

New Transparency, Evidence Requirements Passed; Comprehensive Reform Encouraged

Today, the American Tort Reform Association recognized Alabama as a “Tort Reform Trailblazer” in its new Legislative HeatCheck report, applauding the state’s recent passage of much-needed asbestos litigation reform.

“Alabama’s efforts during the recent legislative session make the state a national leader in reining in lawsuit abuse,” Tiger Joyce, ATRA president said. “Alabama lawmakers took a stand against the trial bar’s agenda by prioritizing affordable access to justice for residents and businesses alike, proving that they are ‘Tort Reform Trailblazers.’”

ATRA was also encouraged by state legislators beginning the process of enacting comprehensive legal reform in Alabama and encourages them to continue these efforts in 2025 and ultimately pass the bill.

Senate Bill 104, sponsored by Republican lawmakers, Sen. Josh Carnley and Rep. Troy Stubbs, imposes crucial transparency mandates to prevent unsubstantiated claims from clogging Alabama’s courts.

“For too long, asbestos litigation has been a lucrative business model based on naming every remotely possible defendant without sufficient proof,” Joyce said. “Alabama’s reforms will filter out frivolous claims and ensure only plaintiffs with credible evidence can proceed.”

The new law also requires plaintiffs to file any potential asbestos bankruptcy trust claims upfront and share those materials with defendants. Courts must dismiss claims against companies if plaintiffs fail to properly identify their products as exposure sources.

“These reforms give businesses a fighting chance against being named in every lawsuit seeking to hit the jackpot,” Joyce said.

Excessive tort costs also impose a hefty “tort tax” of $785 on every Alabama resident annually while sapping 36,473 jobs from the state economy.

“This year’s reforms will help to create a more even playing field in the Yellowhammer State and reduce the overall economic impacts of excessive tort costs,” Joyce said. “Lawmakers passed common-sense requirements for asbestos exposure claims, representing a model for restoring balance and fairness to state civil justice systems.”

ATRA’s Legislative HeatCheck report evaluates a select group of states’ progress — or lack thereof — in enacting meaningful tort reform measures during their most recent legislative sessions.

Alabama’s legislature was named a “Tort Reform Trailblazer” alongside state lawmakers in Indiana and West Virginia. The full Legislative HeatCheck report is available at heatcheck.atra.org.