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SB 590

Motor Vehicles - Reckless, Negligent, and Aggressive Driving (Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by William Folden and 4 co-sponsors

Maryland strengthens penalties for reckless and aggressive driving to improve road safety and deter dangerous vehicle operation statewide.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 447
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Bill Summary · SB 590

Legislative bill overview

SB 590, the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act, enhances Maryland's penalties and enforcement mechanisms for reckless, negligent, and aggressive driving behaviors. The bill creates stricter criminal and civil consequences for dangerous driving conduct and establishes new definitions or classifications to address road safety threats more comprehensively.

Why is this important

Road safety incidents involving aggressive or reckless driving claim lives and cause serious injuries in Maryland communities. By strengthening penalties and enforcement tools, the legislation aims to deter dangerous driving behavior and provide better legal recourse for victims, while also honoring Sergeant Patrick Kepp's service-related death (the bill's namesake suggests a connection to law enforcement loss).

Potential points of contention

  • Sentencing severity: Enhanced criminal penalties may face concerns from civil liberties advocates about proportionality and potential disparate impacts on certain communities during enforcement
  • Defining "aggressive driving": Vague statutory language around what constitutes aggressive versus negligent driving could create inconsistent application across jurisdictions and potential court challenges
  • Enforcement burden: New requirements may strain police resources and create questions about whether enforcement priorities serve public safety equitably across different neighborhoods

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

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