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MarylandSB 01232025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Boating Accidents - Duty to Stop at the Scene, Render Assistance, and Provide Information - Penalties

Sponsored By: Bryan W. Simonaire (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Natural Resources - GenerallyCriminal Law - Substantive CrimesAccidentsBoats and ShipsCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Death -see also- Homicide; Murder; Wrongful DeathEthicsFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesInjuryPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death Penalty

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Boat operators face stop-and-help penalties

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland boat operators must immediately stop near the scene after an accident injures or kills another person. Operators must give practical, necessary help without seriously endangering their vessel or crew. They must give their name, address, and vessel identification to injured people and owners of damaged property. Failing to help or share this information is a misdemeanor carrying up to 2 months in jail, $500, or both. Failing to stop after bodily injury is a misdemeanor carrying up to 1 year in prison, $3,000, or both. After a death, the misdemeanor maximum rises to 5 years, $5,000, or both. Felony penalties apply when operators knew or reasonably should have known serious bodily injury or death might result, and that outcome occurs. The felony maximum is 5 years and $5,000 for serious bodily injury, or 10 years and $10,000 for death. Courts can impose prison time, a fine, or both. Serious bodily injury includes a substantial risk of death or serious, lasting disfigurement, loss of function, or impaired bodily function.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bryan W. Simonaire

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 225 • No: 0

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 138 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 2/10/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 275

    5/6/2025

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/7/2025Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/7/2025Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/7/2025Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (138-0)

    4/7/2025House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/4/2025House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {693422/1 Adopted

    4/4/2025House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Judiciary

    4/3/2025House

  9. Hearing 3/26 at 3:15 p.m.

    3/26/2025House

  10. Hearing canceled

    3/26/2025House

  11. Hearing 3/26 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/19/2025House

  12. Referred Judiciary

    2/11/2025House

  13. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    2/10/2025Senate

  14. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    2/6/2025Senate

  15. Floor Amendment {493226/1 (Chair, Judicial Proceedings Committee) Adopted

    2/6/2025Senate

  16. Motion Special Order until 2/6 (Senator Smith) Adopted

    1/30/2025Senate

  17. Motion Reconsider Second Reading (Senator Smith) Adopted

    1/30/2025Senate

  18. Second Reading Passed

    1/28/2025Senate

  19. Favorable Adopted

    1/28/2025Senate

  20. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    1/27/2025Senate

  21. Hearing 1/16 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/9/2025Senate

  22. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/8/2025Senate

  23. Pre-filed

    5/18/2024Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/6/2025

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/7/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/6/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/8/2025

    PDF

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