A measure which would have permitted the City of Batimore to pursue litigation against the former makers of lead-based paint on a market-share theory of liability died April 13 when the Maryland legislative session ended without action being taken on the proposed bill.

HB1156 had passed the House of Delegates, but never was brought up for a vote on the Senate floor.

Proponents of the measure have seen similar attempts to pass bills permitting a market-share theory of liability die in previous sessions.

A 2008 bill also died in committee. HB 1156 was a version of the 2008 measure, which had been altered so that only the City of Baltimore would have the right to sue the paint industry, as opposed to that right belonging to the state as a whole.

Opponents argued that the measure was unfair and would hurt the business climate in the city.