Bill No.: HB0014                  Drafter:  LNS

 

LSO No.:  12LSO-0024              Effective Date:  July 1, 2012

 

Enrolled Act No.:  HEA0004

 

Chapter No.:       CH0005

 

Prime Sponsor:     Joint Judiciary Interim Committee

 

Catch Title:       Wrongful death representative.

 

Subject:           Appointment of wrongful death representatives.

 

 

Summary/Major Elements:

 

·         In 2010, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled that wrongful death actions would no longer be processed under the probate code.  The ruling arose out of inconsistent court decisions interpreting the wrongful death statutes.

 

·         This act specifies a procedure for a district court to appoint a wrongful death representative.

 

·         Establishes factors for a court to consider in determining the wrongful death representative.

 

·         Specifies on whose behalf a wrongful death action is maintained.

 

·         Specifies the notice to be provided when a wrongful death action is filed.

 

·         Provides for court approval of settlements in wrongful death actions.

 

·         Specifies that the act applies only to wrongful death actions filed on or after July 1, 2012.