This bill amends New Jersey's wrongful death statute to allow for the award of additional damages in cases where the decedent was below the age of majority at the time of death. Specifically, it enables a jury to award damages for emotional distress, grief, loss of enjoyment of life, non-pecuniary value of guidance and companionship, costs incurred for the decedent's care and maintenance during their life, and pain and suffering experienced by the decedent. These provisions are intended to provide a more comprehensive form of compensation to surviving parents of minor children who have died due to wrongful conduct.

The bill modifies the existing legal language in N.J.S.2A:31-5, allowing juries to award damages deemed fair and just, while also specifying that these additional damages can only be awarded to surviving parents who have not lost their right to intestate inheritance from their minor child. The act is set to take effect immediately and will apply to all causes of action arising on or after the effective date.