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HB 977

Criminal Law - Manslaughter by Vehicle or Vessel - Increased Penalties (Jamari's Law)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Crosby

Maryland bill increases criminal penalties for deaths caused by reckless vehicle or vessel operation to strengthen accountability and deter dangerous driving behavior.

Hearing 2/19 at 11:00 a.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 977

Legislative bill overview

HB 977, known as "Jamari's Law," increases criminal penalties for manslaughter by vehicle or vessel in Maryland. The bill appears to enhance sentencing requirements for cases where deaths result from reckless or negligent operation of vehicles or boats. This represents a shift toward stricter accountability for fatal traffic and boating incidents.

Why is this important

Fatal vehicle and vessel accidents impose devastating human costs on families and communities. Increasing penalties aims to deter reckless driving and boating behaviors while potentially providing stronger accountability for operators whose actions result in deaths. The bill's nickname suggests it was prompted by a specific tragic incident.

Potential points of contention

  • Sentencing severity: Critics may argue enhanced penalties don't effectively deter accidents and could create disproportionate sentences for deaths caused by momentary lapses in judgment versus intentional misconduct
  • Distinction between negligence levels: The bill may lack nuanced language differentiating between gross negligence, ordinary negligence, and recklessness, potentially affecting sentencing consistency
  • Racing/DUI specificity: Unclear whether the bill targets all manslaughter-by-vehicle cases equally or focuses on aggravated circumstances (racing, impaired driving), which affects fairness arguments

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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