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MarylandSB 05812025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Shaneka Henson (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: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Higher compensation cap for pet owners

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland raises the compensation cap for wrongfully injuring or killing a pet from $10,000 to $25,000. For injuries, compensation covers reasonable and necessary veterinary care. For deaths, it also includes the pet’s fair market value before death. The law covers domesticated animals but excludes livestock. Responsible people face higher potential liability, including for harm caused by animals they own, direct, or control.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Shaneka Henson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 185 • No: 1

House vote • 4/2/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 138 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/12/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 100

    4/22/2025

  2. Returned Passed

    4/3/2025Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (138-1)

    4/2/2025House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/2/2025House

  5. Favorable Report by Judiciary

    4/1/2025House

  6. Referred Judiciary

    3/13/2025House

  7. Third Reading Passed (47-0)

    3/12/2025Senate

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/11/2025Senate

  9. Floor Amendment {163420/1 (Senator Henson) Adopted

    3/11/2025Senate

  10. Favorable Adopted

    3/11/2025Senate

  11. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/10/2025Senate

  12. Hearing 2/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/30/2025Senate

  13. First Reading Judicial Proceedings

    1/27/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/11/2025

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/27/2025

    PDF

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