Ocean City police feeling relief after emergency bill passes through Senate

Ocean City police are feeling relieved after an emergency bill was passed by the Senate, allowing the beach town to increase fines for speeding and other traffic violations during special events like H2Oi and OC Cruisin'.

Last summer, the town made a number of arrests, and we're told some participants of H2Oi actually viewed getting a ticket as a badge of honor. Ocean City officials believe no one will be bragging anymore, now that the ticket can cost them upwards of 1,000 dollars.

Senate Bill 872 allows police and the Town of Ocean City to create special event zones and reduce established speed limits in them. Officials could make the entire Town of Ocean City a special events zone if they wanted to.

In order for the special events zone to be an option, at least 1,000 people must be attending an event.

Police believe this bill will make a noticeable difference in helping them keep everyone safe during events like car shows moving forward.

Ross Buzzuro, the Chief of Ocean City Police said, "We're hoping that will send a message that we want everyone to have a good time but we also want them to obey and respect the Town of Ocean City, so increased fines, slowing down their speeds will just add and increase public safety for us."

If this bill gets signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan, police could be ready to enforce it as early as Memorial Day Weekend.

The bill has already passed it's third reading in the House.

It now goes back to the State Senate.