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.

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.