HR 5437119th CongressIn Committee

Protection of Lawful Commerce in Stone Slab Products Act

Introduced: Sep 17, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. McClintock, Tom [R-CA-5] (R-California)

Economy & Taxes

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill would create a federal shield for manufacturers and sellers of stone slab products (such as countertops) by prohibiting civil lawsuits against them for injuries that arise from third-party fabricators altering those products. In other words, if a fabricator’s alterations or the resulting silica exposure caused harm, the upstream manufacturer or seller could not be sued in any federal or state court under the bill’s definition of a “qualified civil action.” The act would require any such pending lawsuits to be dismissed. It defines the key terms (fabrication, qualified civil action, qualified product, seller) and applies to stone slab products shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. The findings emphasize that the products themselves are not inherently dangerous when properly manufactured, and that liability should not extend to upstream manufacturers or sellers for injuries caused by third-party fabrication that may violate safety laws.

Key Points

1Prohibition and dismissal: A “qualified civil action” may not be brought in federal or state court, and any such actions pending at enactment would be dismissed as soon as practicable.
2Scope and definitions: The bill covers stone slab products (including quartz, mineral, crystal, glass, porcelain, ceramic, etc.) shipped in interstate or foreign commerce. “Fabrication” means altering the product by cutting, drilling, shaping, polishing, grinding, or similar processes. “Seller” includes importers, distributors, retailers, and suppliers.
3Who is protected: Manufacturers and sellers of qualified products are protected from civil actions for injuries arising from the fabrication by another party (a fabricator), including injuries from respirable silica exposure during fabrication.
4Purpose and policy: The act aims to preserve the supply of stone slab products, shield industry from frivolous lawsuits, and protect interstate/foreign commerce—consistent with invoking the Full Faith and Credit Clause.
5Regulated context: While the finding notes existing federal/state workplace safety regulations (e.g., OSHA silica exposure rules) and acknowledges some fabricators may not comply, the shield focuses on upstream liability rather than addressing fabricator conduct directly.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Manufacturers and sellers of stone slab products (including importers, distributors, retailers, and suppliers) would gain legal immunity from certain civil actions brought by plaintiffs alleging injuries tied to third-party fabrication.Secondary group/area affected- Fabricators and their workers, since liability claims would be directed away from upstream manufacturers/sellers and toward fabricators or other responsible parties (though the bill does not create a direct shield for fabricators; it shifts potential liability dynamics).Additional impacts- Civil justice system and plaintiffs’ access to relief in cases involving silica exposure tied to fabricators’ work.- Interstate and foreign commerce: The bill argues to reduce regulatory and litigation burdens on commerce.- Potential constitutional and policy considerations: The measure could face questions about preemption of state tort law and the balance between industry protection and consumer/worker safety accountability.

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