Maryland House Bill HB360

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 1/26/23

Caption

Reckless and Negligent Driving – Death of Another – Must–Appear Violation (Sherry’s and Christian’s Law)

Impact

The implementation of HB 360 is expected to proceduralize the way reckless driving cases are handled in Maryland. It significantly changes the legal landscape concerning traffic violations that lead to fatalities by removing financial penalties as an easy out for offenders. This move is anticipated to lead to more stringent scrutiny and possibly heavier penalties for individuals found guilty, which reflects a shift towards a zero-tolerance approach to reckless driving that endangers lives.

Summary

House Bill 360, also known as Sherry's and Christian's Law, addresses issues of reckless and negligent driving specifically in cases that result in the death of another person. The bill mandates that individuals charged with such violations must appear in court instead of having the option to prepay fines. This legislation is aimed at ensuring accountability and appropriate legal proceedings following serious traffic-related incidents. By emphasizing mandatory court appearances, the bill seeks to enhance public safety and deter reckless behavior on the roads.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 360 include concerns about whether imposing mandatory court appearances might overwhelm the judicial system or lead to disproportionate penalties for minor infractions. There is also consideration of the socio-economic factors that could make court appearances burdensome for some drivers. Critics may argue that the bill's enforcement could lead to inequitable outcomes, especially for individuals from lower-income backgrounds who may struggle with the additional complexities and costs associated with appearing in court.