MD SB123

Vessel operators involved in collisions, accidents, or casualties resulting in bodily injury or death must immediately stop as close as possible to the scene, return, and remain until they have rendered assistance and provided their name, address, and vessel identification.

Leaving the scene of a boating accident causing bodily injury is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and/or a $3,000 fine; leaving the scene of an accident causing death carries up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine.

Fleeing when the operator knew or should have known the accident might result in serious bodily injury (and it did) is a felony with up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine; if death was foreseeable and occurred, the penalty increases to up to 10 years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine.

Failing to render assistance or provide information after an accident is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 2 months imprisonment and/or a $500 fine.

The law takes effect October 1, 2025, and amends Section 8-724 of the Natural Resources Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.