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Bill101th CongressFiled May 12, 1989Law
S. 982

Radiation Victims Fair Treatment Act

Bill journey · stage 2 of 5

Under committee review

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What it doesSummary reported to senate with amendment(s) (Oct 16, 1990)

Radiation Victims Fair Treatment Act - Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 to repeal provisions which: (1) substitute the United States as the defendant in all suits against private contractors for radiation injuries arising from atomic weapons testing programs (thus providing for the civil liability of such contractors); and (2) make the Federal Tort Claims Act the sole remedy for those injuries. Details the applicability of statutes of limitations.

Limits the award of attorney fees for actions brought under this Act to ten percent of the award of actual damages, but does not preclude a contract for legal representation for a lesser amount.

Requires the United States to: (1) indemnify, hold harmless, and guarantee payment of any judgments entered for any claimant with respect to actions filed under this Act; (2) indemnify and reimburse any private contractor to the United States who is successful in defending such a claim for all costs, attorney fees, and litigation-related expenses incurred in defending such action; and (3) reimburse such contractors for all reasonable costs associated with the good faith settlement of claims in the event an action is settled prior to litigation or a consent decree is entered pursuant to a settlement agreement.

What just happenedOct 16, 1990

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 986.

Who’s behind it

Sen. Reid, Harry [D-NV](D-NV)Sponsor
40 cosponsors31 D9 R
Read on Congress.gov
40cosponsors1committees9actions1related bills10subjects
  1. Oct 16, 1990Calendars

    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 986.

  2. Oct 16, 1990Committee

    Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Biden with an amendment. Without written report.

    Judiciary Committee
  3. Oct 16, 1990Committee14000

    Committee on Judiciary. Reported to Senate by Senator Biden with an amendment. Without written report.

    Judiciary Committee
  4. Oct 11, 1990Committee

    Committee on Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.

    Judiciary Committee
  5. Mar 1, 1990Committee

    Subcommittee on Courts and Administrative Practice. Approved for full committee consideration without amendment favorably.

    Administrative Oversight and the Courts Subcommittee
  6. Aug 3, 1989Committee

    Subcommittee on Courts and Administrative Practice. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 101-647.

    Administrative Oversight and the Courts Subcommittee
  7. May 17, 1989Committee

    Referred to Subcommittee on Courts and Administrative Practice.

    Administrative Oversight and the Courts Subcommittee
  8. May 12, 1989IntroReferral

    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

    Judiciary Committee
  9. May 12, 1989IntroReferral10000

    Introduced in Senate

Reported to Senate with amendment(s)Oct 16, 199001

Radiation Victims Fair Treatment Act - Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 to repeal provisions which: (1) substitute the United States as the defendant in all suits against private contractors for radiation injuries arising from atomic weapons testing programs (thus providing for the civil liability of such contractors); and (2) make the Federal Tort Claims Act the sole remedy for those injuries. Details the applicability of statutes of limitations.

Limits the award of attorney fees for actions brought under this Act to ten percent of the award of actual damages, but does not preclude a contract for legal representation for a lesser amount.

Requires the United States to: (1) indemnify, hold harmless, and guarantee payment of any judgments entered for any claimant with respect to actions filed under this Act; (2) indemnify and reimburse any private contractor to the United States who is successful in defending such a claim for all costs, attorney fees, and litigation-related expenses incurred in defending such action; and (3) reimburse such contractors for all reasonable costs associated with the good faith settlement of claims in the event an action is settled prior to litigation or a consent decree is entered pursuant to a settlement agreement.

Introduced in SenateMay 12, 198900

Radiation Victims Fair Treatment Act - Amends the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 to repeal provisions which: (1) substitute the United States as defendant in all suits against private contractors for radiation injuries arising from atomic weapons testing programs; and (2) make the Federal Tort Claims Act the sole remedy for those injuries. Details the applicability of statutes of limitations.