Bill > SB565

This bill, known as Mateo's Law, requires any person involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in a death or life-threatening injury to submit to both breath and blood testing for potential impairment, regardless of whether a police officer initially has reasonable grounds to suspect impaired driving. The bill removes previous language that limited testing to situations where an officer had specific suspicions about the driver's condition, and instead mandates automatic testing in serious accident scenarios. Under the new provisions, medical personnel performing these tests are protected from civil liability for their actions, except in cases of gross negligence. The bill specifies that the breath test will determine alcohol concentration, while the blood test can identify alcohol levels, drugs, or controlled dangerous substances. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to ensure comprehensive testing in serious motor vehicle accidents to help determine potential impairment as a contributing factor to the incident.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0565?ys=2025RS