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MD SB581
Bill
AI Summary
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Maximum compensatory damages for tortious injury or death of a pet increases from $10,000 to $25,000
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Compensatory damages include fair market value of the pet before death and reasonable veterinary care costs for death cases, or just veterinary care costs for injuries
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"Pet" is defined as a domesticated animal, explicitly excluding livestock
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Liability applies to persons acting individually or through an animal under their ownership, direction, or control
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Effective October 1, 2025; signed by Governor Wes Moore on April 22, 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 100
4/22/2025
Committee Referrals
Judiciary3/13/2025
Judicial Proceedings1/27/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available