Wrongful Death Bill (Pocket) Vetoed

The Governor's Office just issued a press statement announcing he has "pocket vetoed" the trial-lawyer supported expansion of New Jersey's Wrongful Death Act. We'll spare you the repetition of the reasons we opposed to the bill, such as higher insurance premiums, (sorry, couldn't help myself), but see previous posts here and here.

The Governor did not veto the legislation, he simply refused to sign it by today's noon deadline. The net result is the same: the bill will not become a law. In his statement, Governor Corzine noted about S-176,

Unfortunately, I do not believe that this bill in its current form strikes a fair balance that would avoid using a strict monetary valuation of a person’s life while also addressing the adverse effect of allowing unlimited and unpredictable damages.

Thanks are in order for the Governor, who recognized flaws in the bill and took appropriate action.

Update: Star-Ledger coverage is now available complete with a quote from CIANJ President John Galandak. Our press release on the issue is available here.