IL HB0219

Amends the Wrongful Death Act to allow punitive damages in wrongful death lawsuits when applicable, in addition to compensatory damages for pecuniary injuries, grief, sorrow, and mental suffering

Amends the Probate Act to allow punitive damages in surviving actions for personal injury (actions that continue after a party's death)

Excludes punitive damages in cases involving healing art malpractice, legal malpractice, or actions against the State, units of local government, or their employees acting in official capacity

Preserves existing limitations on punitive damages under the Code of Civil Procedure and the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act

Changes apply only to actions filed on or after the effective date of the Act, which takes effect immediately upon becoming law