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MarylandHB 04382025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Civil Actions - Tortious Injury to or Death of Pet - Compensatory Damages (Buddy's Law)

Sponsored By: J. Sandy Bartlett (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Civil Actions and ProceduresCivil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsDamagesDeath -see also- Homicide; Murder; Wrongful DeathDomestic Animals -see also- Birds; DogsInjury

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Higher damage limits for pet owners

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland raises the cap on damages paid to pet owners from $10,000 to $25,000. Eligible damages cover reasonable, necessary veterinary care for injuries; when a pet dies, they also include its pre-death fair market value. Pets must be domesticated animals, not livestock. Liability covers harm caused directly by a person or through an animal they own, direct, or control. Owners must prove legal responsibility and eligible damages; the higher cap does not guarantee a $25,000 award.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • J. Sandy Bartlett

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Lauren Arikan

    Republican • House

  • Jon S. Cardin

    Democratic • House

  • Terri L. Hill

    Democratic • House

  • Aaron M. Kaufman

    Democratic • House

  • Nicholaus R. Kipke

    Republican • House

  • Mary A. Lehman

    Democratic • House

  • LaToya Nkongolo

    Republican • House

  • N. Scott Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Sheila Ruth

    Democratic • House

  • Sheree Sample-Hughes

    Democratic • House

  • Stuart Michael Schmidt

    Republican • House

  • Karen Simpson

    Democratic • House

  • Sean A. Stinnett

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole A. Williams

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 186 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

House vote • 3/11/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 139 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 101

    4/22/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/2/2025House

  3. Third Reading Passed (47-0)

    4/2/2025Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    3/27/2025Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/27/2025Senate

  6. Referred Judicial Proceedings

    3/12/2025Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (139-0)

    3/11/2025House

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/11/2025House

  9. Favorable with Amendments {603924/1 Adopted

    3/11/2025House

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    3/10/2025House

  11. Hearing 2/05 at 2:00 p.m.

    2/3/2025House

  12. Hearing canceled

    2/3/2025House

  13. Hearing 2/05 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/17/2025House

  14. First Reading Judiciary

    1/16/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/11/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/16/2025

    PDF

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