New York's wrongful death law, enacted in 1847, fails to recognize bonds within a family and within relationships, and undervalues lives, backers of a bill to revamp the law said at a news conference Tuesday.

Dozens of lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle say it's time to revamp the antiquated law. The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. Brad Hoylman, D-Manhattan, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, D-Brooklyn.