Criminal Law - Motor Vehicle or Vessel - Criminal Negligence

HB 883 clarifies Maryland's criminal law around vehicle and vessel operation by defining "criminal negligence" as failing to perceive a substantial risk a reasonable person would see. It prohibits driving or operating a vehicle/vessel in this manner, with penalties of up to 6 months in jail or $5,000 fine for the basic offense, or up to 1 year for causing life-threatening injury through criminal negligence. The bill explicitly excludes ordinary negligence (covered under Transportation Article §21-901.1) from this criminal standard. It directly affects drivers and vessel operators whose actions create a grossly unreasonable risk of harm. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.