Official Text and Analysis.

Removes the requirements that second tier beneficiaries—parents and siblings—reside in the United States at the time of the decedent's death and be dependent on the the decedent for financial support in order to recover in a wrongful death or survival action.

Provides that under a general wrongful death action or a general or special survival action, a defendant's liability is several only, and not joint, if the decedent's parent or sibling is not dependent on the decedent for support.

Provides that under a general wrongful death action or a general or special survival action, a defendant's liability for damages recovered on behalf of a decedent's parent or sibling who is not dependent on the decedent for support is several only, and not joint, if: (a) the total percentage of fault attributed to the defendant is less than 50 percent; and (b) the defendant's liability is not based on an intentional act or omission. Provides that in an action for wrongful injury or death of an adult child where the parent is not dependent on the child for support, a defendant's liability is several only, and not joint, if: (a) the total percentage of fault attributed to the defendant is less than 50 percent; and (b) the defendant's liability is not based on an intentional act or omission.

Provides that under a general wrongful death action or a general or special survival action, a defendant's liability for damages recovered on behalf of a decedent's parent or sibling is several only, and not joint, if the parent or sibling is not dependent upon the decedent for support. Provides that in an action for wrongful injury or death of an adult child, a defendant's liability is several only, and not joint, if the parent or legal guardian is not dependent on the adult child for support.