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SB 1028

Natural Resources - Vessels - Carbon Monoxide Warning Labels (Matthew's Law)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Gile

Gasoline-powered boats with cabins, swim platforms, or aft lounging must display conspicuous carbon monoxide warning labels near the transom and helm to operate in Maryland.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 450
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Bill Summary · SB 1028

SB 1028 — Natural Resources — Vessels — Carbon Monoxide Warning Labels (Matthew’s Law)

Chapter 450 (Approved by Governor May 13, 2025) — Effective October 1, 2025

Purpose

To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning on recreational boats by requiring conspicuous CO warning labels on certain gasoline‑powered motorized vessels used on Maryland waters.

Key provisions

  • Adds § 8‑740.2 to the Natural Resources Article.
  • Requires that a gasoline‑powered motorized vessel manufactured after July 31, 2007, that has any of the following features:
    • a cabin or other closed living space (accommodation spaces),
    • swim platforms, or
    • aft (rear) lounging areas, may not be operated on the waters of the State unless the vessel has carbon monoxide warning labels affixed in conspicuous locations in the vicinity of both the transom (rear) and the helm (steering area).
  • Defines that “motorized vessel” for this section does not include vessels powered by an electric motor.
  • Prohibits the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from imposing a penalty on a person that violates this section.

Who is affected

  • Owners and operators of gasoline‑powered recreational vessels manufactured after July 31, 2007 that include cabins/closed living spaces, swim platforms, or aft lounging areas.
  • Manufacturers and dealers are indirectly affected insofar as owners/operators will need to ensure labels are present on vessels in use in Maryland.
  • Electric‑motor powered vessels are expressly excluded from the requirement.

Enforcement, penalties, and practical effect

  • The statute makes operation contingent on the presence of the required labels but explicitly prevents DNR from imposing civil or administrative penalties for violations of this section. The bill does not specify alternative enforcement mechanisms or criminal penalties.
  • The practical effect is to create a labeling requirement as a safety standard while limiting DNR enforcement authority.

Fiscal and administrative impact

  • Fiscal note: No material effect on State or local finances; minimal impact on small businesses.
  • DNR and other agencies reported no significant implementation costs in the fiscal analysis.

Legislative and procedural status

  • Introduced January 31, 2025; enrolled and approved by the Governor as Chapter 450 on May 13, 2025.
  • Companion/cross‑filed with HB 1322 (and related HB 1930 referenced as companion in materials).

Additional notes

  • Known as “Matthew’s Law.”
  • Effective date: October 1, 2025.

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

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