TALLAHASSEE, Fla.--Florida lawmakers will consider a bill that, among other things, would ban punitive damages in civil cases alleging asbestos or silica injury.

State Rep. Joe Pickens, a Republican whose district consists of Putnam County and portions of several adjacent counties, introduced the Asbestos and Silica Compensation Fairness Act of 2005--H.B. 1019--on Tuesday.

In addition to banning punitive damages, the measure would require that claimants meet specific medical criteria before being permitted to pursue a case. The measure also provides for potential collateral source offsets in settlements and judgments.

Thus far, Ohio is the only state that has set statewide medical criteria for civil actions alleging asbestos or mixed dust injury, although a medical criteria measure was introduced in the Texas House of Representatives earlier this week.