The statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is the earlier of five years after the time an injury was committed or three years after discovery of an injury. For a child, these time limitations begin at the age of 11, if the injury occurred when the child was younger than 11. Testimony at the bill hearing last week disclosed that medical malpractice claims are the only actions where a child's right to file suit is limited to less than three years past the age of majority. Criminal Matters and Corrections A package of bills introduced this week aimed at addressing racial disparity in the Maryland criminal justice system deals with criminal procedure, parole, crimes and punishments, as well as juvenile justice. At present, the driver could be charged with a traffic violation or involuntary manslaughter, which requires a finding of gross negligence.
Negligent homicide requires only a negligent act in committing the homicide.
HB 235 would do the same thing, but would not allow a judge to suspend the one-year mandatory sentence. SB 99 would prohibit anyone over 16 from wearing a mask, hood, or other device to conceal identity, with exemptions for a number of purposes including holiday celebrations and religious, employment, or medical reasons. The bills were drafted by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, a nonpartisan organization that develops uniform acts and model laws in areas where uniformity among the states is desirable. Much of the controversy surrounding the bills related to concerns about the protection of consumer rights under software licensing agreements that would be enforceable under this bill and the preemption of existing applicable consumer protection laws. Another proposed model act was also heard by the committees but without opposition.