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HB 544

Vehicle Laws - Cannabis Use in Motor Vehicle With Minor Occupant - Prohibition

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Arentz and 6 co-sponsors

Prohibits cannabis consumption in vehicles carrying minor passengers, establishing new traffic violation penalties for protecting children from drug use exposure while driving.

Hearing 2/11 at 2:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 544

Legislative bill overview

HB 544 would prohibit the consumption of cannabis in a motor vehicle when a minor is present as an occupant. The bill appears to establish penalties for violators and creates a new traffic offense related to drug use in vehicles with child passengers.

Why is this important

Child safety advocates and public health officials have expressed concerns about secondhand cannabis smoke exposure in enclosed vehicles, particularly affecting minors who cannot consent to or escape the exposure. This bill addresses a gap in Maryland's existing cannabis regulations by specifically targeting impaired judgment and environmental hazards created when drivers consume drugs around children.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement challenges: Police would need to determine whether cannabis consumption occurred during vehicle operation versus beforehand, and whether a minor was actually present, creating ambiguity in prosecution
  • Parental rights debate: Some libertarian-leaning legislators may argue this represents government overreach into parental decision-making in private vehicles
  • Definitional gaps: The bill's scope regarding what constitutes "cannabis use" (smoking, vaping, edibles) and how it's detected and proven in court remains unclear from the title alone

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

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