Loading chat...

MD HB438

Bill

Official Source

Status

Passed

4/22/2025

Primary Sponsor

Sandy Bartlett

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2025 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Maximum compensatory damages for tortious injury or death of a pet increases from $10,000 to $25,000
  • Compensatory damages for pet death include the fair market value of the pet before death plus reasonable veterinary care costs
  • Compensatory damages for pet injury include reasonable and necessary veterinary care costs
  • "Pet" is defined as a domesticated animal, excluding livestock
  • Effective October 1, 2025

Legislative Description

Civil Actions - Tortious Injury to or Death of Pet - Compensatory Damages (Buddy's Law)

Death

Last Action

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 101

4/22/2025

Committee Referrals

Judicial Proceedings3/12/2025
Judiciary1/16/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available