Hammers' Law

HR 3788, "Hammers' Law," amends a section of U.S. law (46 U.S.C. § 30307) that sets liability limits for certain accidents. It expands the scope from "commercial aviation accidents" to also include "cruise ship voyages," directly affecting victims and operators of cruise ships meeting specific criteria. The bill defines a "cruise ship" as one carrying at least 250 passengers with sleeping accommodations on U.S.-embarking voyages (excluding coastwise travel), and clarifies "nonpecuniary damages" as compensation for loss of care, comfort, and companionship. This change applies existing liability rules for aviation accidents to similar incidents on qualifying cruise ships.