 NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:
Grieving Families Act Vetoed by Governor Hochul
for Fourth Consecutive Year
On December 5, 2025, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul vetoed the Grieving Families Act for the fourth time.
New York’s Wrongful Death Statute, enacted in 1847, limits recovery to pecuniary loss for damages such as lost wages, lost support, and funeral expenses. The passing of this legislation would have completely overhauled wrongful death claims by permitting recovery for emotional damages and expanding the class of persons who can seek recovery for a fatality.
Proponents of the bill claim that New York is an outlier nationally, and that the Grieving Families Act would modernize the statute by allowing recovery for non-economic or emotional damages such as grief and loss of love.
In her veto memo, Governor Hochul offered support for the cause, but again cited concerns over costs, economic uncertainty, and unintended consequences to New York consumers needing health care.
For further background, read our prior analysis of the bill: Grieving Families Act Update: Meet the New Bill, Same as the Old Bill.
V. Christopher Potenza ■ Member
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V. Christopher Potenza
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