Sherrill Green advocates for Mateo's Law following son's DUI-related death

The JPR Committee session on February 7, 2025, featured a poignant testimony from Sherrell Green, who advocated for "Mateo's Law," named after her late son, Mateo Isaiah Green. Sherrell, accompanied by her daughter Kristin, shared their family's tragic experience following a drunk driving accident that claimed Mateo's life at the age of 23.

During her emotional address, Sherrell highlighted alarming statistics from AAA, revealing that in 2023, Maryland experienced nearly 5,500 crashes involving impaired drivers, resulting in 132 fatalities and approximately 2,500 injuries. She recounted the harrowing moment when she received a call informing her of her son's accident, which left him with severe brain injuries and ultimately led to his death.

Sherrell's testimony underscored the urgent need for legislative action to address impaired driving in Maryland. She emphasized that driving under the influence is a choice, and the statistics indicate a significant problem within the state. The committee listened intently as she called for stronger measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

The session not only served as a platform for Sherrell's heartfelt plea but also highlighted the broader implications of impaired driving on families and communities across Maryland. The discussion around Mateo's Law is expected to continue as the committee considers potential legislative responses to this pressing issue.