Bill > HB1160

This bill amends existing Georgia law to extend the "tolling of limitations" for certain wrongful death lawsuits. Tolling of limitations refers to pausing or suspending the time period within which a legal action must be filed. Specifically, this bill allows the statute of limitations, which is the deadline for filing a lawsuit, to be paused for wrongful death claims that arise from a crime. This pause will last from the date the crime occurred until the criminal prosecution related to that crime is finalized. The bill clarifies that this tolling applies to claims brought by surviving relatives under specific Georgia Code sections (19-7-1(c), 51-4-2, or 51-4-4) when the death is the result of an alleged crime. This change provides more time for families to pursue justice in wrongful death cases stemming from criminal acts, ensuring that the legal process for civil claims doesn't expire while criminal proceedings are ongoing, with a maximum tolling period of six years unless otherwise specified.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72732