Bill > HB977

This bill, known as Jamari's Law, increases the criminal penalties for manslaughter by vehicle or vessel in Maryland. Specifically, the bill modifies existing criminal statutes to increase the maximum prison sentence for a first-time offender from 10 years to 20 years, and for repeat offenders or those with prior convictions for related serious crimes from 15 years to 30 years. The law defines "vehicle" broadly to include motor vehicles, streetcars, locomotives, engines, and trains, and establishes that causing another person's death through grossly negligent operation of a vehicle or vessel is considered manslaughter. The bill allows for either imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000 or $10,000 depending on the offense, or both. Notably, the law considers prior convictions from other states or federal jurisdictions that would be equivalent to the specified offenses in Maryland when determining subsequent offender penalties. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and appears designed to create more significant legal consequences for drivers who cause fatal accidents through extreme negligence.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0977?ys=2025RS