Bill · H.R. 2922· House(119-HR-2922)
Hammers' Law
- Introduced
- 4/17/2025
- Last activity
- 4/17/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Don Bacon
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as "Hammers' Law," aims to provide authorization for nonpecuniary damages resulting from cruise ship voyages on the high seas. It seeks to amend title 46 of the United States Code regarding limitations in certain cases. The legislation specifically targets passenger vessels that meet certain capacity and operational criteria. These vessels must be authorized to carry at least 250 passengers and provide sleeping facilities for each. Additionally, the ship must embark or disembark passengers in the United States and not be on a coastwise voyage.
Yes
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+5
It enhances consumer protection by allowing passengers to seek damages for non-economic losses like loss of care and companionship.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+5
It expands legal recourse for individuals by allowing nonpecuniary damage claims in maritime law.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
It may increase liability and litigation risks for cruise ship operators.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Authorization of nonpecuniary damages: This provision allows for damages related to the loss of care, comfort, and companionship for those involved in actions resulting from a cruise ship voyage (Section 2, Subsection a, Clause 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-3
- 4/17/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Doris MatsuiDemocrat · California
Mary Gay ScanlonDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Jefferson Van DrewRepublican · New Jersey