The Scottish Executive introduced new measures in December to help end the dilemma facing mesothelioma victims, who were forced to choose between claiming damages for themselves or waiting so that relatives could possibly claim more after their death.
The Holyrood committee scrutinising the bill recommended that MSPs back it when it goes before parliament.
Sufferers have been able to lodge compensation claims since 20 December even though the Mesothelioma Damages Bill is not yet law.
In an unprecedented move, Deputy Justice Minister Johann Lamont announced at the committee's meeting on 13 December that the bill would be amended to enable sufferers to benefit from its provisions a week later. Mesothelioma sufferers and their families can now receive fair compensation.
"In considering the bill, the committee learned of the significant number of mesothelioma sufferers who had been postponing settling their claims so that they would be able to benefit from the terms of the legislation.
"Witnesses representing mesothelioma sufferers argued that the bill should apply retrospectively, so as to enable sufferers to pursue their claims now."
Families affected
About 400 men and their families are affected by the proposals - most of them former Clydeside shipyard workers.
The bill sets Scotland apart from the rest of the UK.
Frank Maguire of the firm Thompsons Solicitors - which represents the majority of victims in Scotland - said after the minister's announcement that the firm would be commencing proceedings in up to 100 cases.
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