AN ACT RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE -- PROCEDURE GENERALLY -- CAUSES OF ACTION

HB 7750 would allow plaintiffs in civil lawsuits to seek punitive damages when defendants acted with "willful or wanton conduct" or showed "reckless disregard" for health, safety, or welfare. This applies to cases like wrongful death claims (under Title 10, Chapter 7) and requires evidence proving the defendant knew or should have known their actions were dangerous. The bill defines "willful or wanton conduct" as heedless, reckless behavior ignoring consequences or others' safety. It directly affects plaintiffs pursuing civil claims against parties whose actions caused foreseeable harm through intentional or grossly negligent behavior. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.