Contact: Amaya Smith
202.965.3500, ext. 8369
House Legislation Will Give Public Access to Life Saving Information
Washington, DC—Companies would be compelled to disclose product defects, under legislation introduced today. The Sunshine in Litigation Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) and U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), would make settling lawsuits with secrecy agreements more difficul,; ensuring that life saving information is not kept hidden.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has passed identical legislation with bipartisan support.
Currently, corporations can use secrecy agreements as a shield when their products or services have caused harm or death. This legislation would give judges additional discretion when considering settlements that keep secret important and life saving information.
"Sealed court records are hiding the dangers of prescription drugs, medical devices like insulin pumps, stroke inducing children's cough syrup, defective tires and numerous other cases that are important to public safety," said American Association for Justice CEO Jon Haber. "Americans have a right to know about these cases, especially when corporations put profits above the health and safety of the public."
