Hochul Issues Fourth Veto of Grieving Families Act, Citing Cost Concerns

Gov. Kathy Hochul has issued her fourth veto of the Grieving Families Act, a bill that would overhaul New York’s wrongful death statute and allow families to seek damages for emotional suffering, expanding what is currently one of the nation’s most restrictive laws.

Hochul rejected the legislation late Monday, arguing that the broad expansion of eligible claims and the lack of clear financial guardrails would significantly drive up insurance and liability costs for municipalities, hospitals, small businesses and nonprofit organizations across the state.

“While I strongly support modernizing our wrongful death law to better reflect today’s families, this bill as drafted would have far-reaching, unintended consequences,” Hochul said in a statement accompanying the veto. “New Yorkers deserve reforms that are both compassionate and responsible, and I encourage the Legislature to continue working with my administration on a balanced solution.”

The Grieving Families Act would update a 19th-century law that limits damages in wrongful death cases to economic losses, excluding grief, loss of companionship and emotional anguish. Supporters say the current statute devalues the lives of children, seniors and others who may not earn wages but whose loss leaves deep emotional and financial impacts on their families.

Advocates, including civil rights groups, labor unions and families of victims, called Hochul’s veto deeply disappointing. They argue that the bill has been repeatedly amended to address concerns from the governor’s office — including narrowing the definition of eligible family members and adding limitations on retroactive claims — yet still has not won approval.

“This is another devastating setback for families who have waited far too long for justice,” said Assemblymember Helene Weinstein, a lead sponsor of the bill. “New York continues to stand alone with an outdated law that fails to account for the real toll of loss.”

Opponents of the measure, including insurance industry groups and health-care associations, praised the veto. They say the expanded liability could raise premiums, strain local governments and jeopardize access to medical care in already struggling regions.

The Legislature has passed versions of the Grieving Families Act every year since 2022, each time encountering Hochul’s objections. Lawmakers have signaled they will reintroduce the bill in the upcoming session.

Senate sponsor Brad Hoylman-Sigal said the fight is far from over.

“We will bring this bill back until New York recognizes the value of every life,” he said. “Modernizing this law is long overdue, and families deserve nothing less.”

It remains unclear whether negotiations between the governor and legislators will produce a compromise version before the next legislative deadline.