Carozza’s negligent driving bill passes senate, future uncertain in house

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The fate of a bill that would provide significant penalties for criminally negligent driving in Maryland, is in the hands of elected delegates. Senate Bill 248, which was introduced by Senator Mary Beth Carozza cleared the senate last week If the bill’s passed, instead of facing a $500 fine if convicted of negligent driving, the legislation would increase that penalty to a fine of $5,000. You could also face up to 18 months in prison. And while lawmakers say the bill is critical to make sure roads stay safe for Marylanders, the future of the bill is still up in the air.

“I don’t know where we are with that piece of legislation if it’s just going to be parked in committee or if it’s going to make its way through. Generally if something has made its way from one house to the other it’s got a really good shot at getting done but we’re going to find out together,” said Delegate Carl Anderton (R-District 38B).

In a statement Carozza said she was “grateful to her colleagues in the Senate for passing this common sense public safety legislation.” And now she’s calling on the house of delegates to “move this legislation forward.”