Asbestos Tort Trust Transparency Act and trial preferences.

Existing law provides generally for procedures governing civil actions. Existing law imposes additional procedures that apply with respect to limited types of civil actions. This bill would enact the Asbestos Tort Claim Trust Transparency Act, which would establish additional procedures with respect to civil actions pertaining to asbestos tort claims, as defined. The bill would, among other things, require that a plaintiff disclose specified information with respect to any asbestos trusts, as defined, against which the plaintiff has or could pursue a claim, and entitle a defendant to discovery with respect to relevant information pertaining to the plaintiff held by other asbestos trusts and to pursue various motions. This bill would require a plaintiff to serve certain sworn statements. By expanding the scope of an existing crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. Existing law authorizes certain parties to petition the court for preference, and, if the court grants a motion for preference, requires the court to set the matter for trial not more than 120 days from the date the motion for preference is granted. This bill would provide that a party to a civil action who is a veteran, as defined, is entitled to preference ahead of all parties who are not veterans. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.