Senator Hatch Introduces Draft Asbestos Legislatio

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) inserted draft asbestos litigation management legislation in the Congressional Record May 19 for review by Senate colleagues. Hatch, who wants to set up a $108 billion national trust fund to pay asbestos claims, suggested using the medical standards of an existing asbestos trust fund, the Manville Trust, to determine compensation for victims. The $108 billion fund would pay claims over 25 years, according to reports. $45 billion would come from insurance companies, and $45 billion would come from defendant companies with over one millio...