Bill > HB1486

This bill, known as Mateo's Law, modifies Maryland's transportation laws to require mandatory breath and blood testing for individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents resulting in death or life-threatening injury. Under the proposed legislation, any person involved in such an accident would be required to submit to both breath testing to determine alcohol concentration and blood testing to measure alcohol, drug, or controlled dangerous substance content, regardless of whether a police officer has specific reasonable grounds to suspect impairment. The bill removes previous language that required a police officer to have reasonable suspicion of driving under the influence before mandating testing. Medical personnel conducting these tests would be protected from civil liability for their actions, except in cases of gross negligence. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to ensure comprehensive testing in serious accident scenarios to help determine potential impairment as a contributing factor.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1486?ys=2025RS