FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6601

C 139 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Limiting obesity lawsuits.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by Senators Brandland, T. Sheldon, Stevens, Roach, Murray and Oke).

Senate Committee on Judiciary

House Committee on Judiciary

Background: There have been a number of high profile cases in which plaintiffs have sued fast food distributors for obesity-related health problems. None of the plaintiffs have yet to prevail.

Summary: Manufacturers, packers, distributors, carriers, holders, sellers, marketers, or advertisers of food or alcoholic beverages are not subject to liability actions by a private party arising out of weight gain, obesity, or any associated health condition caused by or the result of long-term purchase or consumption of food.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       41  8

House       95  1    (House amended)

Senate       48  0    (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 10, 2004