(1) Notwithstanding any other law, with respect to any silica claim or mixed dust disease claim that is not barred as of July 1, 2006, the period of limitations shall not begin to run until the exposed person discovers, or through the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered, that the person has a physical impairment resulting from silica or mixed dust exposure.
(2) A court may consolidate for trial any number and type of silica or mixed dust disease claims only with the consent of all of the parties. In the absence of such consent, a court may consolidate for trial any claims relating to the exposed person and members of the person's household.