Hammers' Law

S 1085, "Hammers' Law," amends federal law to include cruise ship voyages under the same liability limitations that currently apply to commercial aviation accidents. It defines "cruise ship" as a passenger vessel carrying at least 250 passengers with sleeping facilities, embarking/disembarking in the U.S., and not operating coastwise. The bill specifically adds "cruise ship voyage" to Section 30307 of Title 46, U.S. Code, which limits nonpecuniary damages (like loss of care or companionship) in accident lawsuits. This change directly affects passengers on qualifying cruise ships involved in accidents, extending the existing legal framework from aviation to maritime travel.