This bill amends current law regarding loss of consortium to include pets as eligible for damages, expanding the definition of "loss of consortium" to encompass the loss of love, companionship, and support from both a spouse and a pet. Specifically, it defines loss of consortium to include the loss of affection, society, and moral support from a spouse or pet, as well as the loss of sexual relations and the ability to have children with a spouse. The bill also establishes that individuals can recover damages for the loss of consortium related to the death of a pet when caused intentionally or recklessly.

Additionally, the bill allows individuals to bring lawsuits against governmental officials, including law enforcement officers, who intentionally or recklessly cause the death of a pet without legal justification. The damages recoverable in such cases may be reduced if the claimant is found to have contributed to the injury. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is projected to have a fiscal impact of less than $10,000 for each fiscal year from 2025 to 2028.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 507:8-a