Politico: Trying again

By: Nick Reisman

The twice-vetoed proposal to expand New York’s wrongful death law is back.

State lawmakers this week introduced a new version of the bill with the same premise: Making it easier for people to file wrongful death claims based on emotional anguish.

The current wrongful death law, sponsor Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal argues, is not sufficient.

“The law, in essence, says that the attributes of our family members that we most value--emotional support, love, companionship, advice and guidance--count for nothing,” the bill’s memo states.

But opponents have not been convinced. The Lawsuit Reform Alliance, an advocacy organization, remains opposed.

“The bill sponsors continue to ignore the school districts, public hospitals, transit authorities, cities, towns and counties who are deeply concerned about this legislation and its impact on taxpayers and local government budgets,” Tom Stebbins, the group’s executive director, said.

“Despite the oceans of data, lawmakers absurdly claim the fiscal impact to state and local governments will be ‘none.’ That’s not possible.”

Lawmakers will still have to convince Hochul, who has vetoed two versions of the bill. Her budget office has pointed to the costs, including the potential insurance premiums skyrocketing as a result.