Bill expands penalty exposure when drivers injure or kill vulnerable road users; advocates back consistent, broader coverage

Delegate Dana Stein told the committee House Bill 2 34 would expand existing vulnerable road user (VRU) protections by making the up‑to‑two‑month incarceration penalty applicable whenever a driver violates a traffic law and kills or seriously injures a vulnerable road user who was lawfully on a sidewalk, crosswalk, shoulder or highway.

"These individuals all have to be lawfully on a shoulder, crosswalk, sidewalk, or highway," Stein said, emphasizing the statute's lawful‑use requirement. He noted previous legislation had increased civil penalties and added penalties for cyclists in bike lanes; this bill broadens penalties to cover all VRU categories to create consistency.

Law enforcement and safety advocates told the committee the measure deters dangerous driving behavior and supports Vision Zero goals. Chief Joe Dixon of Baltimore County said the bill complements Vision Zero and first‑responder efforts; Nigel Samara, who suffered a severe life‑altering injury as a bicyclist, described his injuries and said harsher penalties are necessary to deter reckless driving. John Coram of Bicycle Advocates said the law fills a gap that currently treats similar negligent outcomes differently depending on the VRU location.

Questions covered scope, penalties and related sentencing options. Committee members asked about sentencing mechanics and whether the civil penalties and court mandates remain; sponsors confirmed the civil penalty framework and judge discretion (safety courses, community service) remain available.

Ending: Sponsors and safety organizations requested a favorable report, urging consistency across VRU protections and stronger deterrence.