HB1528

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 20 and Section 63-6-1102, relative to wrongful death.

Introduced·1/13/26

Amends Tennessee wrongful death laws to waive surviving spouse's rights if they abandoned the deceased for three years.

This bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 20 and Section 63-6-1102, concerning wrongful death. It modifies the rights of surviving spouses to institute and collect proceeds from wrongful death actions. If the surviving spouse abandoned the deceased spouse or willfully withdrew for three years, their rights are waived. A rebuttable presumption of abandonment is created if three years have passed since the abandonment or withdrawal. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

15 Yea

RRRRRRRRRRRRRDR

3 Nay

DDD

History

Mar 26

House

Taken off notice for cal. in Calendar & Rules Committee

Mar 25

House

Placed on cal. Calendar & Rules Committee for 3/26/2026

Mar 23

House

Rec. for pass; ref to Calendar & Rules Committee