CBS 6: Grieving Families Act vetoed again "Continues to pose significant risks to consumers"

By: Tom Eschen

For the third straight year, New York Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed the "Grieving Families Act", which would've updated New York's wrongful death law for the first time in 177 years.

The bill would have expanded financial damages to families who have lost loved ones in wrongful deaths in New York State.

In the effort of approval, this year's bill made some changes, narrowing the scope of individuals who were able to file for emotional damage, while also limiting the statute of limitations to three years. It's legislation several families facing tragedy, including the Schoharie Limo Crash victims, have advocated for.

"Their calls for change highlight the inadequacies of a system that often perpetuates inequities by valuing human life based on earning potential," Governor Hochul stated in her veto memo. “While well intentioned, these changes would likely have results in higher costs to patients and consumers, as well as other unintended consequences. For the third year in a row the legislature has passed a bill that continues to pose significant risks to consumers, without many of the changes I expressed openness to in previous rounds of negotiations."

The decision has prompted reaction on both sides of the equation.

“While the Legislature and NYSTLA came prepared to find common ground, narrowing the bill again and again, the Governor remained entrenched in the same positions she held on Day One, offering no flexibility or willingness to engage in meaningful compromise," New York State Trial Lawyers Association President Victoria Wickman said in a statement. “How many more families have to suffer without justice before this governor takes action? We are in the midst of an infant and maternal mortality epidemic, yet the governor continues to ignore the urgent need for accountability in health care. This veto is a cruel reminder that Governor Hochul has chosen to prioritize protecting big business over standing with grieving New Yorkers.

Tom Stebbins, Executive Director of the Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York, said in a statement: “There’s a way to modernize the law without tipping the scales of justice so far that everyone loses. Governor Hochul understands that and has once again demonstrated true leadership by vetoing this deeply flawed legislation. Thoughtful, pragmatic lawmaking requires more than good intentions—it demands careful study and balanced solutions that address real problems without turning our public schools, safety-net hospitals, and emergency services into collateral damage. Despite relentless pressure from the trial lawyer lobby and their attempts to exploit tragedy for profit, the Governor stood firm, prioritizing the well-being of New York’s families, healthcare system, educators, and small businesses over law firm profits. It’s time to end these one-sided, radical proposals and bring all stakeholders to the table to craft legislation that works for everyone. That’s the kind of leadership and vision New Yorkers need and deserve.”