Bill would let cruise ship families sue for emotional loss, not just costs
In committeeS. 1423Latest action
Sponsor: Deb Fischer · Senator · NE
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Hammers' Law
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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"Hammers' Law" would let families of cruise ship deaths or serious injuries at sea seek damages beyond financial losses.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill amends the Death on the High Seas Act to let families seek compensation for "loss of care, comfort, and companionship" when someone dies or is seriously harmed on a cruise ship voyage on international waters. Currently that law generally limits recovery to financial losses like lost income or funeral costs; airplane accidents already have this broader exception, and this bill extends it to cruise ships. It defines "cruise ship" as a passenger vessel carrying at least 250 passengers with sleeping quarters, starting or ending in the U.S., excluding government vessels and certain domestic-only routes.
Who does it affect?
Passengers and families of passengers hurt or killed on major ocean cruises beyond a certain distance from shore; cruise line companies facing lawsuits.
Why does it matter?
This would broaden the legal grounds families can use to seek damages in court, while increasing potential financial liability for cruise line companies in accident or death lawsuits.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 10, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Apr 10, 2025
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.