Senate Bill 380 Summary

• Increases the aggregate damage cap for wrongful death actions involving adult persons from $300,000 to $1,250,000 under Indiana Code 34-23-1-2, effective July 1, 2014.

• Specifies that damages for loss of love and companionship are subject to the new $1,250,000 cap and cannot include grief damages or punitive damages.

• Requires the health finance commission to study during the 2014 legislative interim whether additional training for health facility employees is necessary and what funding mechanisms should provide it.

• Requires the health finance commission to study whether additional oversight and regulation of health facilities are needed for resident safety, with the study directive expiring December 31, 2014.

• Prohibits juries from being informed of monetary damage limits and requires courts to reduce jury awards exceeding the statutory cap.