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SB 292

Revise laws related to increasing product liability protection for consumers relating to economic harm

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrea Olsen

Montana bill to expand product liability protections for consumers suffering economic harm from defective products died in committee without advancing.

(S) Died in Process
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Bill Summary · SB 292

Legislative bill overview

SB 292 sought to revise Montana's product liability laws to expand consumer protections specifically related to economic harm caused by defective or unsafe products. The bill would have modified existing legal standards to make it easier for consumers to pursue claims against manufacturers and sellers for financial losses resulting from product defects, rather than just physical injury or property damage.

Why is this important

Product liability law determines how much legal recourse consumers have when products cause them financial harm—such as money spent on a defective item, lost wages, or business losses. Changes to these laws directly affect the balance of risk between manufacturers and consumers, influencing product pricing, business practices, and consumer access to courts for compensation.

Potential points of contention

  • Business liability concerns: Manufacturers and sellers may have opposed expanded liability that could increase litigation costs, insurance premiums, and overall business expenses
  • Definition and scope of "economic harm": Disagreement likely existed over what qualifies as recoverable economic loss versus expected business risk or consumer choice
  • Litigation volume: Opponents may have worried that broader protections would dramatically increase lawsuits, clogging courts and creating uncertainty for businesses

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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