This bill allows certain individuals to sue and recover damages for harm from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. This action is available only to individuals who were exposed to contaminated water for at least 30 days.

This Act permits military veterans to bring civil lawsuits against the U.S. Government for any harm they have suffered from at least 30 days’ exposure (including in utero) to water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. For all actions brought under the Act, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina will be the sole venue. The Act prevents the U.S. Government claiming immunity that would otherwise be available as a result of litigation.

A North Carolina statute of repose, which prohibits tort claims being filed after ten years, is also repealed by the law. For claims made under the Act, punitive damages cannot be awarded and any award, payment or benefit received from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Medicare, or Medicaid program will be offset by any amount. This includes any health care or disability related to exposure to water supplied to Camp Lejeune by or for the U.S. Government.

The Act was incorporated into a larger law, the “Sergeant First class Heath Robinson Honoring our promise to address comprehensive toxics Act of 2022” (or “Honoring our PAACT Act of 2022”) which enhances disability and health care for veterans who have been exposed to toxic burn pits or other toxic exposures.