Bill
LC 2451
Overview: Bill Number: LC 2451, Title: Revise civil liability laws, Status: (LC) Draft Died in Process, Introduced: December 08, 2024Purpose and Intent: The primary goal of this bi
Overview: Bill Number: LC 2451, Title: Revise civil liability laws, Status: (LC) Draft Died in Process, Introduced: December 08, 2024
Purpose and Intent: The primary goal of this bill is to make several changes to Montana's civil liability laws, with the aim of reducing frivolous lawsuits, promoting personal responsibility, and protecting businesses and professionals from unwarranted legal exposure.
Key Provisions:
- Imposes a higher standard of proof for plaintiffs to establish negligence or recklessness in certain civil cases
- Limits the damages that can be awarded for non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering
- Establishes a statute of repose for product liability claims, barring lawsuits filed more than 10 years after a product's initial sale
- Provides immunity from civil liability for businesses and professionals who comply with applicable laws and regulations
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Plaintiffs seeking to recover damages in civil lawsuits, who may face higher evidentiary burdens and reduced potential awards
- Businesses, professionals, and other defendants in civil cases, who may benefit from increased legal protections
- Consumers and the general public, who could see changes in the availability and cost of certain products and services
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
This bill was introduced in the 2024 legislative session but did not advance past the draft stage and ultimately died in the process. Any future efforts to revise Montana's civil liability laws would likely need to be reintroduced in a subsequent session.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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