Protection of Lawful Commerce in Stone Slab Products Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. McClintock, Tom [R-CA-5]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 3, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to shield manufacturers and sellers of stone slab products from liability for workplace injuries occurring during third-party fabrication, shifting the legal burden entirely to the fabricators.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits civil lawsuits against manufacturers and sellers of stone slab products (such as quartz countertops) for injuries, including those caused by silica dust exposure, that result from the alteration or "fabrication" of these products by a third-party. It also mandates the dismissal of any such lawsuits that are currently pending in federal or state courts. The bill asserts that manufacturers and sellers should not be held liable for harms caused by third-party fabricators who fail to comply with workplace safety regulations.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that manufacturers and sellers have no control over how third-party fabricators alter their products, nor can they ensure compliance with workplace safety laws. Holding them liable for injuries caused by others' negligence is an abuse of the legal system, burdens interstate commerce, and threatens a lawful industry employing thousands. This bill would protect these businesses from frivolous lawsuits and preserve consumer access to stone slab products.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that this bill removes a crucial avenue for justice for workers injured by hazardous materials, potentially leaving victims without adequate recourse. They might contend that manufacturers and sellers, as part of the supply chain, bear some responsibility for the safety of their products, especially when they know the products will be fabricated in ways that generate hazardous byproducts like silica dust. Critics might also argue it preempts state tort law, undermining states' rights to protect their citizens.
The bill is very short and can be read quickly, but its legal and economic implications require significant consideration.
Section 3(a)
Prohibition on New Civil Actions
This provision explicitly states that no new civil lawsuits (defined as "qualified civil actions") can be filed in any federal or state court against manufacturers or sellers of stone slab products for injuries related to the fabrication of those products by another party. This includes injuries from exposure to substances like respirable silica. This aims to prevent future litigation against these entities for harms they argue are beyond their control.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is essential to prevent unfair liability on businesses that have no control over the workplace safety practices of third-party fabricators. It ensures that responsibility for workplace injuries rests with the party directly causing the harm and failing to comply with safety regulations.
Critics contend
Opponents would contend that this provision strips injured workers of their right to seek compensation from all potentially responsible parties, including those who produce and sell materials known to create hazards during common use. They might argue it creates a loophole for manufacturers to avoid accountability.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire to protect manufacturers from what they deem unfair liability against the rights of injured individuals to seek redress. It also navigates the tension between federal preemption and state tort law.
Section 3(b)
Dismissal of Existing Lawsuits
This section mandates that any "qualified civil action" that is already ongoing in a federal or state court on the date the Act becomes law must be dismissed "as soon as is practicable." This means current lawsuits against stone slab manufacturers or sellers for fabrication-related injuries would be terminated, providing immediate relief to defendants in existing cases.
Section 4
Definitions of Key Terms
This section precisely defines the scope of the bill. A "qualified civil action" is a lawsuit against a manufacturer or seller of a "qualified product" for injuries from another party's fabrication, including silica exposure. A "qualified product" is broadly defined as any stone slab product (quartz, mineral, glass, etc.) shipped in interstate or foreign commerce. These definitions are crucial for determining which lawsuits are prohibited and which products are covered.