Moody Bill Lets Siblings Sue Over A Wrongful Death

The text as introduced · 230 words

90R4181 AMF-F

By: Moody
H.B. No. 632

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to wrongful death actions for the benefit of siblings of

the decedent.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 71.001, Civil Practice and Remedies

Code, is amended by adding Subdivision (5) to read as follows:

(5) "Sibling" means:

(A) a sibling of the whole or half blood or by

adoption; or

(B) a stepsibling.

SECTION 2. Sections 71.004(a) and (b), Civil Practice and

Remedies Code, are amended to read as follows:

(a) An action to recover damages as provided by this

subchapter is for the exclusive benefit of the surviving spouse,

children, [ and ] parents , and siblings of the deceased.

(b) The surviving spouse, children, [ and ] parents , and

siblings of the deceased may bring the action or one or more of

those individuals may bring the action for the benefit of all.

SECTION 3. The changes in law made by this Act apply only to

an action commenced on or after the effective date of this Act. An

action commenced before the effective date of this Act is governed

by the law applicable to the action immediately before the

effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for

that purpose.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2027.