46:3B-20. Claimant deemed to have elected remedy

11. a. For purposes of a claim filed by a claimant for damages arising out of the failure of fire retardant treated plywood pursuant to this act, the claimant shall be deemed to have elected a remedy pursuant to section 9 of P.L.1977, c.467 (C.46:3B-9) upon the filing of a claim with the commissioner pursuant to section 2 or section 6 of this act. However, such an election of remedy shall not be deemed to have occurred for a claim filed pursuant to section 6 of this act if the assignment of the claim is declined by the Attorney General pursuant to paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection b. of section 6 of this act, or if the relief required for the assignment of the claim pursuant to paragraph (4) of subsection b. of section 6 of this act is denied by the court. In such instance the claimant may continue to pursue the civil action for damages arising out of the failure of fire retardant treated plywood.

b. For purposes of this section, a "claim" means a claim filed pursuant to this act by an owner, a warranty guarantor, a builder, or jointly by an owner and builder for the remediation of damages to any portion of the affected structure or structures arising out of the failure of fire retardant treated plywood. For purposes of this section, the claim shall be deemed to include all portions of the structure or structures which contain fire retardant treated plywood, whether or not the claimant or the joint claimant has sought remediation of all the affected structure or structures.

c. The provisions of section 9 of P.L.1977, c.467 (C.46:3B-9), shall not be deemed to preclude the Attorney General from filing, maintaining, or continuing a legal action against potential responsible parties regarding a claim which the Attorney General has accepted for assignment pursuant to this act.

L.1991,c.202,s.11.