Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Boating Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears ‘Matthew’s Law’ to require carbon monoxide warning labels on gasoline-powered boats
Summary
The House Environment and Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1322, which would require gasoline-powered vessels manufactured after July 31, 2007 to display carbon monoxide warning labels. Supporters, including the victim’s family and state agencies, said the change is low-cost and could prevent deaths; no vote was recorded.
The House Environment and Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1322 — dubbed “Matthew’s Law” by supporters — a measure that would require gasoline-powered vessels manufactured after July 31, 2007 to display a carbon monoxide warning label.
Supporters told committee members the labels are inexpensive, already used by industry and emergency responders, and could reduce preventable deaths from carbon monoxide exposure aboard boats. “This tragedy is 100% preventable,” testified Alida Ball, whose son Matthew Thomas McHale died of carbon monoxide poisoning in 2016 at age 25. She described texts Matthew sent that night reporting dizziness and difficulty typing before he was later found unconscious under shrink-wrap on a boat with engines running.
Why it matters: Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause loss of consciousness and death. Supporters said Maryland’s many waterways and the number of recreational boaters make preventative signage a simple way to reduce risk.
Support and implementation details: Witnesses said the Department of Natural Resources helped draft the bill and supports it. DNR told the committee it would add label guidance to its website and outreach channels, coordinate with dealers, and that enforcement officers would emphasize education and issue warnings in the program’s first year. Sponsors told members they had consulted trade groups, fire service advocates, the U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary, and manufacturers. The bill as presented applies to gasoline-powered vessels only; questions from members focused on whether both inboard and outboard gasoline engines were covered.
Cost and precedent: Testimony included examples of commercially available labels; one sponsor said consumer labels sell for about $9.99 and others for about $25, and many fire departments distribute them for free. Presenters said there was no fiscal note attached to the bill.
What supporters asked the committee to do: Presenters urged a favorable report so the label requirement — and the public education they expect to follow — can be implemented.
Provenance: The committee hearing included family testimony, sponsor remarks and DNR outreach commitments; no formal vote was recorded in the hearing transcript.
