Senate Bill 1840, also known as "Quinton's Law," amends the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding statutes of limitations for wrongful death actions. The bill introduces a new subdivision (a)(3) to Section 28-3-104, establishing that wrongful death claims must generally be filed within two years of the cause of action accruing. However, if criminal charges are filed against an individual related to the death, the time frame extends to three years, provided that the criminal prosecution is initiated within two years by a law enforcement officer, district attorney general, or grand jury.

Additionally, the bill modifies subdivision (a)(1) of Section 28-3-104 by deleting the existing language and replacing it with a new provision that specifies certain actions, including libel and civil rights claims, must be commenced within one year after the cause of action accrues, except as noted in subdivisions (a)(2) and (a)(3). The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to causes of action that accrue on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-3-104, 28-3-104(a)(1)